HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0883.003 2008-2010To: Maui County Council
John E. Randall
45 -1033 Pahuwai Place
Kaneohe, HI 96744 -3311
Email: jackr(Z),hawaii.rr.com
June 1, 2010
I have been asked to comment on the Maui County Animal Rights Bill. I regard this as a
senseless attempt to restrict the collecting of fishes for the aquarium trade.
Aquarium fish collectors make every effort to keep the fishes they catch alive and in good health.
If a fish is caught in more than about 50 feet and brought to the surface quickly, the swim
bladder will expand and could cause the death of the fish. The hypodermic needle to the swim
bladder releases the gas, and is about equivalent to a human getting a flu shot. It actually
alleviates pain the fish would experience if the gas were not released.
A temperature fluctuation of 2 degrees is no problem for a fish. Fishes living in tidepools
experience far greater temperature fluctuation than this. They also are able to be several minutes
in air without harm. I have tag hundreds of fishes, which requires their being exposed in the air
for measurement and tag insertion. I have also used fin clipping to mark fish for the short term.
The fins are soon regenerated.
It is necessary to stop feeding for 12 hours before shipping a fish. If not, it will foul the water in
which it is shipped. Depending on the species, most fishes often go without feeding for more
than 12 hours..
Sincerely,
04„ e.lea"ciat
John E. Randall, PhD
Senior Ichthyologist Emeritus
Bishop Museum
corn. 8e3.3
Ref. To I FS S (-
Ref. Date AUG Q 2 nip_