02-07-2008, 11:12 AM
quote:
Originally posted by oink
How big is the aquarium fishing industry in Hawaii? I wouldn't think a very large industry of this type would be sustainable. I would think that a ban would be easier and cheaper to enforce than just controls.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
It is estimated to be a over $3 million a year industry in Hawaii in 2004. (per Cody's research). It is a relatively small industry when compared to tourism.
Oh just a note - the person who originally got the bill in progress is the owner of Snorkel Bob's (Robert Whitner). He put a take limit in on the yellow tang and then an assessment - the number he picked for the yellow tang may not be low enough. But the assessment is need before you pick a number out of the sky.
He has an agenda because of his tourist operation - he is not addressing the issues that show that snorkeling and diving (from his industry) degrade the environment (coral reefs) to a zillion times more than the aquarium collectors.
The bans will create a black market in other countries. Thats the bottom line. If the ban was enacted across the globe, maybe.