Happy New Year: Welcome to the new year and the new design of the
Fish 'N' Chips newsletter. I hope that you like it. It's a big issue this month as I've had a
lot of new stuff and news to let you know about during my little publishing break.
Links Directory Update: Sadly, the losers of the world have forced me
to yet again limit access to Links Directory functions because those with nothing better to do with
their lives attempted to fill my directory with offers of the latest enhancements, fake watches,
and so on. This time it was as comments to the site listings. I have been forced to make even those
who wish to comment on a listing become members before doing so. Sorry folks but them's the breaks.
I have been using this product for over a year now. I can honestly say that this Kalkwasser mix has always
provided me with a consistent result. I have used other mixes but this one just seems to be the most
consistent and comes in a small enough size just right for a nano tank. What's great is that all I have to
do is mix some of this with some vinegar and I've taken care of calcium and alk in one pop. The instructions
are pretty easy to understand even for someone new to kalk. I was afraid at first that I would mess
something up as I have heard horror stories, but Kent has done good by me.
Liz's Notes: Editing was limited to spelling and grammar corrections and
formatting. No other editing was done, what you read was exactly what was posted on the Saltcreep web site.
More information and an image of the product can be found at
http://www.kentmarine.com/saltwater/calcium/kalkwasser-mix.htm.
Please visit Saltcreep at http://www.saltcreep.com/
for this review, forums, and much more.
How many marine aquarium fish collectors will die before the marine aquarium trade becomes safe
and sustainable?
In September another fish collector in Bali was killed while working to support his family with
the meager earnings from his difficult and dangerous work.
In this case, Bacok and a fellow collector were diving near their village at depths of 30-40m to
collect yellowlined anthias (Pseudanthias luzonensis), squarespot anthias (Pseudanthias
pleurotaenia) and two color dottyback (Pseudochromis paccagnellae). As is usually the
case in Indonesia and many other poor countries, the collectors had no dive watches or depth gauges.
Rough weather caused the anchor to drag. A big wave caught the drifting boat and the divers were
yanked abruptly to the surface by the air hoses attached to the tire compressor on board. Bacok was
dead when he reached the surface, with burst lungs, leaving behind a wife and two young children.
The other collector survived.
Bacok was only one of several collectors who die or are maimed each year while trying to fill
their orders. Most of these deaths and other work-related injuries of collectors go unrecorded. The
collectors are poor and may be among the few people in the village with work. Their death or
incapacitation generally has catastrophic impacts on the family and friends who depend on their
income, as social welfare support systems are limited or non-existent.
Yes, diving is inherently dangerous - but could this accident have been prevented? Bacok was an
experienced collector diving at significant depths. What factors oblige these ill-equipped
collectors to take such risks?
Unfortunately the relatively low prices paid for most shallow-water species create a strong
incentive for collectors to seek out the rarer, more expensive species, many of which inhabit greater
depths. The industry and hobby need to be aware of the risks collectors take to hunt down species
that occur at great depths and make more informed choices about the animals they buy. Support from
the industry and hobby for adequate equipment and training as the norm for marine aquarium fisheries
in all countries would certainly help to make collection practices safer. Improved prices for fish
caught under safe conditions would act as an incentive to collect in shallower water - with the added
benefit of creating a 'depth refuge' for the deeper reef habitat and stocks.
We should all ask ourselves, especially those buying marine ornamentals, whether industry member or
hobbyist: What can I do to help prevent this kind of tragedy and help ensure dignity, decent earnings,
and safer working conditions for the collectors who make possible my livelihood or hobby?
North America Update:
Over Seventy (70) Species of MAC Certified Fish Available in North America
The variety of MAC Certified fish coming into North America continues to grow, with over seventy
(70) species available for retailers as of September 2006. All of the MAC Certified retailers in
North America are stocking a good selection of MAC Certified species. In addition to the highly
desirable species mentioned in the 2nd Quarter MAC News, other noteworthy MAC Certified fish include
Majestic Angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus), Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias
squamipinnis), Psychedelic Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus), Bicolor Foxface
(Siganus uspi) and Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus exquisitus).
North American hobbyists also have the opportunity to acquire MAC Certified cultured species,
with cultured False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) being offered at MAC Certified
retailers. Producers of these cultured marine ornamentals became MAC Certified in January 2005 for
their facility's compliance with the international Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM)
Standard.
Philippines Update:
Collectors and Exporters Make Digital Traceability in the Marine Aquarium Fishery Work
Under the "Identity Preservation and Traceability" project funded by the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Academy for Educational Development (AED),
MAC worked with collectors and exporters to undertake pilot scale development and implementation of
a prototype integrated, real-time, web-based information technology (IT) system for traceability.
This system covers collector to exporter interactions in the Philippines, and facilitates compliance
with MAC international Standards, with a focus on electronically documenting and tracking shipments
to enhance supplier-buyer relations and improve the Philippines' marine aquarium trade.
In developing this "IT traceability system", MAC worked extensively with marine aquarium
ornamentals' MAC Certified collectors groups and their coordinators in seven (7) municipalities in
the Provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Palawan and with two MAC Certified exporters. The participating
collectors, coordinators and exporters were able to understand and use the system with the hardware
(computers, printers, and personal digital assistants), software, and training available through the
project. MAC, in association with AED, leveraged a unique public-private partnership to facilitate
the design and development of this technology for the marine aquarium trade, which was demonstrated
to a multi-stakeholders audience, and resulted in the acceptance of the technology at the local
community level. Among the principal partners is the Microsoft Corporation, which provided
a major software grant as part of the project.
By electronically monitoring the movement of marine aquarium fish through the supply chain,
traceability and value can be preserved to promote better return for collectors, and improve
efficiency, quality and sustainability for a better managed and documented trade.
For marine ornamental collectors and coordinators the traceability IT system presents several
advantages:
eliminating unreliable and burdensome paper-based documentation,
enabling coordinators to receive quicker feedback on shipment results and payment details,
calculating the catch per unit effort (CPUE) per species to avoid over-harvesting,
enhancing business processes, and
strengthening presentation and marketing efforts in relations with exporters.
This system can also become a very useful tool for exporters, importers and retailers, by:
allowing automation of their inventory capability and other core business functions,
informing better potential buyers of stock availability and organizing shipments that require
stocks from multiple sources,
reducing costs, and time needed to collect, track and verify the data,
streamlining the overall business processes, and
encouraging a "collect to order" process and ethos that will reduce pressure on
stocks.
While this demonstration project of the prototype IT traceability system and accompanying
equipment have been readily accepted by users, there remain many challenges to promoting digital
inclusion in the marine aquarium fishery. At the level of coordinators and communities, there is
a need for solid IT and communications infrastructure, reliable electricity, access to supply
inputs (and related financing), and computer skills upgrading. Moreover, the system will need to
be extended to importers and retailers so that "end to end" transactional capability is
established. MAC is working to develop project possibilities to continue this work that can improve
the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the marine aquarium trade.
MAC Certified Exporter Highlighted by Online Magazine
The online media, About Saltwater Aquariums, recently highlighted MAC Certified exporter
Cebu Mactan Quality Marine Aquarium Fish, located in the Cebu City, due to its dedication
to excellence in the husbandry of the marine ornamentals in its care; which is a solid base for
marine aquarium organisms moving through the chain of custody from "reef to retail". The
owner, Peter Boserio, emphasizes proper care and handling of the marine ornamentals arriving at his
facility by minimizing stress- one of the key factors to maintaining fish in optimal health all
along the chain of custody, in particular when extensive travel is scheduled from the Philippines to
North America or Europe.
This company and other MAC Certified exporters strive to provide excellent facilities, best
practices and superior products that are validated as such through compliance with the MAC Standard
on Handling, Husbandry and Transport. The press coverage of this MAC Certified exporter confirms the
role that MAC Certified companies play in leading the industry to internationally recognized and
verified quality and sustainability. Read the full article at
http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/blank/bl_chuckcollectorreport.htm.
Indonesia Update:
"South-South" Capacity Building: Indonesia Collectors Learn Responsible
Collecting Techniques from Skilled Philippines' Fisherman
Marine ornamental harvesting in Pulau Seribu, Indonesia started around 1960, with the majority
of collectors coming from Panggang Island. Many collectors still only use masks, without snorkels
or fins. Around 1970, cyanide was unfortunately introduced to the area by others in the marine
aquarium industry.
As a result of recently increased enforcement of laws prohibiting cyanide use, and the rapidly
rising price of cyanide, collectors and suppliers have committed to alternative techniques for
collecting fish. In July 2004, a marine ornamental collectors' group PERNITAS (Perhimpunan
Nelayan Ikan Hias dan Karang Hias), was formed in Pulau Panggang. MAC trainers and TERANGI
(Indonesia Coral Reef Foundation), a local reef conservation and management organization,
have trained the collectors in best practices for collecting and handling to ensure that the
fishery is sustainable. However, more specialized training was needed for responsible collecting
of some species.
In August 2006, the PERNITAS collectors group received training from Regenito Gador, a Filipino
trainer, on techniques for collecting difficult species, such as the Green Mandarin (Synchiropus
splendidus) and Comet or Marine Betta (Calloplesiops altivelis). The collectors were
taught how to make collecting equipment, such as push nets and traps and were shown better
post-harvest handling and holding techniques. Regenito was accompanied by Made Partiana: an
Indonesian trainer from Les Village in Bali, who also learned the collecting techniques. After the
Pulau Seribu efforts, both trainers travelled to Bali, where they trained collectors from Sumber
Kima and Pejarakan in the use of the responsible methods. This peer-to-peer training by Made Partiana
will continue in other Indonesia villages, where more collectors are interested in learning these
techniques.
Jakarta District Government Supports Collectors Training in Pulau Seribu
Ensuring Indonesia collectors use best practices in collecting and post harvest handling to
achieve sustainable fisheries has become a priority for some district governments where marine
ornamentals are collected. This includes Pulau Seribu, Jakarta Bay, where the District Head fully
supports the implementation of sustainable practices to achieve MAC Certification. In September 2006,
the Pulau Seribu District government supported the training for ornamental fish collectors from Pulau
Panggang provided by MAC and others.
The local marine ornamental collectors and suppliers association (PERNITAS) received nets and basic
snorkeling gear for its members. Seventy (70) collectors attended the training which addressed, among
other things, post harvest methods, dive health and safety, sustainable fishing practices, reef
conservation and management and simple business skills.
Update on Certification:
Marketing Benefits of Being MAC Certified
"I was so surprised to receive sudden orders from Europe for the first time, after the
publication, in several European magazines, of articles which mentioned our recent MAC
Certification", says Walter Ritte, owner of MAC Certified Hawaii Live Rock,
amazed by the press coverage his facility has received.
MAC Certified industry operators can and do benefit directly, as has Hawaii Live Rock,
from the public relations that result from obtaining MAC Certification, and from MAC marketing
efforts to build brand value and recognition for MAC Certified companies and products.
MAC collaborates with several major trade and hobbyist magazines in Europe and North America.
These media leaders in the industry provide regular space for information from MAC on issues related
to responsibility and sustainability in the marine aquarium trade. The articles report on MAC
efforts and progress in issues of interest to the readers - evidence from these magazines of real
support and commitment for a sustainable trade and the role of MAC in achieving this. For example,
in the German magazine Koralle, readers can learn about the life of fishers in Indonesia
that are learning how to use net collecting techniques. In the US magazine Tropical Fish
Hobbyist a recent article highlighted collectors' efforts to learn how to better manage their
business operations, including training through an innovative "Business Game" for fisher
communities. Tropical Fish Hobbyist also provides a quarterly one page full color MAC ad
highlighting the support for MAC from leaders in the marine aquarium world, such as Bruce Carlson,
Svein Fosså, and Charlie Veron among others.
These public relations and marketing efforts are reinforced by MAC participation in trade shows
and hobbyist conferences as a speaker or an exhibitor. Assistance from the organizers of these
events, e.g. complimentary booth space, organizing MAC seminars, are additional ways in which the
industry and hobby are providing concrete support for MAC efforts to raise industry and consumer
awareness, create demand for MAC Certification and MAC Certified marine ornamentals.
This press coverage and trade show support are an important contribution to promoting MAC
Certified collectors and companies committed to quality, sustainability and the future of the
industry and hobby.
From the time companies get MAC Certified they receive strong marketing and public relations
support as part of the growing network of MAC Certified operations that are increasingly recognized
and in demand around the world.
MAC Outreach and Communications:
More Public Aquariums Signal Support for MAC
The list of public aquariums around the world showing support for MAC continues to grow. Most
recently, the Bristol Zoo and Garden in the UK did so by signing the MAC "Declaration
of Support". Director of the Bristol Zoo and Garden, Dr. Jo Gippes states:
"Our institution actively supports the work of the Marine Aquarium Council and is
committed towards assisting and aiding them in their mission to conserve coral reefs and other
marine ecosystems by achieving sustainable sourcing of animals for both the hobbyist and professional
aquarium trade". North American institutions, such as the El Paso Zoo, Texas, have
also signed the Declaration.
Aquariums and zoos concerned about the future of coral reefs and interested in ensuring the marine
aquarium trade is a force for reef conservation, responsible fisheries and sustainable livelihoods
are invited to sign on.
To receive a copy of this Declaration of Support in English or French, please contact MAC at
info@aquariumcouncil.org.
Liz's Notes: Editing was limited to spelling and grammar corrections
and formatting. Remember to visit the MAC website at
http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/
for more information and to subscribe to the newsletter.
Dolphin Drive Hunt Petition:
Add your support to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA) by signing the petition to stop Japan's government sanctioned driving hunts
that kill or capture approximately 20,000 cetaceans every year, some of which are endangered.
Feb. 22 - 28, 2007: 27th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation,
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA,
http://iconferences.seaturtle.org/
Feb. 23, 2007: Free Public Lecture Series, Spring 2007 - 'Balancing Water Resources And
The Principles Of Sustainable Development', 43 Gordon Square, Birkbeck, University
of London, WC1H 0PD, UK,
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/ce/environment/
March 2007:
Mar. 10 - 11, 2007: North East Reef Aquarium Conference, Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, 431 East Main Street,
Riverhead, New York, USA, http://www.neracli.com/
Mar. 16, 2007: Free Public Lecture Series, Spring 2007 - 'The Marine Bill: Cornucopia
Or Pandora's Box?', 43 Gordon Square, Birkbeck, University of London, WC1H 0PD, UK,
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/ce/environment/
April 2007:
Apr. 16 -21, 2007: 1st International Symposium of Coral Husbandry in Public Aquaria,
Burgers' Zoo, Arnhem, Netherlands,
http://www.coralhusbandry.org/
Jun. 1 - 3, 2007: The International Marine Aquarium Conference (IMAC) - 2007, The Crowne Plaza O'Hare International, Chicago, Illinois, USA,
http://www.theimac.org/
Jun. 9 - 10, 2007: The 5th International Days of Marine & Saltwater Aquaristic - Strasbourg, France,
Salle des Fêtes, 158 Route de Lyon, 67400 Illkirch Graffenstaden (France),
http://www.recif-france.com/congres2007/en.htm
Nov. 13 - 17, 2007: 2007 North American Association For Environmental Education (NAAEE)
Annual Conference and Research Symposium, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA,
http://www.naaee.org/conference
Title: Arctica Copyright: Ryan Bliss, Digital Blasphemy Link to Wallpaper:Wallpaper May become unavailable as artist switches what is in the free gallery.
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