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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0862.008 2008-2010 Russell Ruderman, President Island Naturals Markets Hilo, Kona, Mauka, & Pahoa 1221 Kilauea Ave #170 Hilo, HI 96720 russell @islandnaturals.com 808 - 443 -1703 Aloha Councilmembers, I urge you to support Bill #363 -10 to protect Hawaii's reef fish. The health of our reefs and shorelines depend on a healthy population of reef fish. The aquarium fish collectors have failed to harvest responsibly, and reef fish populations are in serious peril in many locations. The visitor industry is our largest economic driver. The beauty of our oceans is the primary draw for most tourists, who come here for snorkeling, diving, and swimming off our shores. They go home and tell others of the beautiful ocean experiences they have here, and return for more. The economic benefits of preserving our reef ecosystem outweighs any inconvenience to a few. And the health of our oceans and environment must be our highest concern, economic impacts aside. No one can be allowed to destroy our irreplaceable, delicate ocean ecosystems for private profit. For many years the aquarium collectors have shown shocking disregard for the fish populations they sell. There has been well- documented instances of over - harvesting, heartless wasting of thousands of fish, and out -of- control greed. The few conscientious collectors have been out - numbered by uncaring, selfish destroyers of our environment. It may be that a sustainable collecting practice may be introduced in the future with rules, licensing and oversight, but for the foreseeable future the reefs need protection and time to recover from the devastating and wasteful practices of the private collectors. Stop the devastation of our shared environment by an unregulated and unsustainable industry which harms our oceans and every one of us who loves the ocean. Support Bill # 363 -10 Mahalo, Russell Ruderman Island Naturals Markets 808 443 1703 russell @islandnaturals.com Ref 2( Sn(-- , T oi Ref:.'Gate JUL 20 201.