Fwd: Re: Re: wild-caught fish -Reply

[William Vannerson <William_Vannerson@ama-assn.org>]

>>As a matter of fact, the domestic fish-keepers, both hobbyists and
scientists, are the last hope for keeping some of these fish from
becoming extinct.<<

This is a sad situation that scientists and environmentalist have known
for some time and now many _hobbyists_ are starting to realize.  There
was a thread several weeks ago about incorporating location codes into
Apisto naming convention.  Here's another reason to implement such a
standard.  Known locations of a species may be genetically different
enough to warrant separation and to preserve the gene pool.

As was mentioned, killie keepers do this.  There is also an official
species maintenance program where several key species have been
singled out in order to preserve them in the hobby.  One of the criteria
used in selecting _type_ species for the program was the potential threat
to loss of habitat to the species known range.

The effort is in it's infancy but it's a start.  It also shows that there are
hobbyists out there that are very concerned about the _big picture_ and
not just in earning BAP points or _how much will this bring in an auction._

Bill Vannerson
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/william_vannerson