Re: Agreement for Cyprinodon tularosa

Cary Hostrawser (caryho at ix.netcom.com)
Sat, 20 Jan 1996 23:38:30 GMT

I will agree that the release of non native species is a problem, but
to say that rare or endangered species should not be raised by
aquarists because of this is trying to mix unrelated issues. The
keeping of endangered species has nothing to do with the problem of
illegally release of fish in non native waterways. The keeping by
aquarists has kept some species alive that are presently extinct in
the wild i.e. the Melanotaenia eachamensis from Lake Eacham Australia.
If the lake can ever be rehabilitated this fish can once again be
returned because of the work of ANGFA aquarists. You can stop this
work and irresponsible aquarists that release non native fish will
still have less rare fish to release into the wild. Stopping
responsible and caring aquarists from protecting endangered species
does nothing to stop the problem of releasing non native fish.

Cary Hostrawser

On Thu, 18 Jan 1996 11:50:24 -0600 (CST), James E Johnson wrote:
>There has been a lot of discussion about using private individuals to
>protect rare fish stocks. I have seen the effort that some private
>aquaculturists use in rearing unique fishes-it is impressive! If we
>could be sure that
>stocks of native rare fishes would be reared by only one individual or
>group, and that the species would not get out in the general aquarium
>trade and evenually into the wild as an non-native species, I might be
>more in favor of private aquaria for rare fishes. It is my belief that
>if we had been rearing Amistad gambusia or Monkey Springs pupfish in
>private aquaria around the country, they might still be extant at this
>time. I also believe that under those circumstances the two species might
>also
>have been illegally introduced into Florida, California, or some other
>warm-water habitat and might be endangering other native fishes in those
>habitats. Hopefully everyone is aware of the problems caused by the
>illegal release of fishes into non-historic habitats. Pupfish and
>poeciliids are creating the most problems, especially in Texas, New
>Mexico, Arizona and California.
>
>Perhaps what we need is accountability. If a species is trusted to an
>individual and later found in the wild, that individual is accountable
>and could be fined and/or imprisoned (oh sure! I can see the headlines
>now - JOHN JONES SENT TO JAIL FOR 2 YEARS FOR RELEASE OF PUPFISH). If a
>species is trusted to a club or organization and a release occurs, the
>club can just disband with no responsibility.
>
>Also, persons interested in rearing rare native U.S. fishes should be
>aware of Dexter National Fish Hatchery in southeastern New Mexico. The
>U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been rearing rare fishes there for 20
>years. You may get in touch with Hatchery Manager Buddy Jensen at (505)
>734-5910.
>
>James E. Johnson
>jjohnson at comp.uark.edu
>Arkansas Cooperative Research Unit
>Department of Biological Sciences
>University of Arkansas
>Fayetteville, AR 72701
> phone (501) 575-6709