HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0333.087 2010-2012Murashige, Laura
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Tuesday, October 04, 2011 8:43 AM
counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Res. 130 -11 in SUPPORT
Name : Bob Belcher
City, State : Volcano, Hawaii
Dear Committee Chair Pilago : Dear City Council,
Aloha Brittany,
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF RA '.AH
7011 OCT —u AM 9: 45
I am asking for your support for Resl30 -11. It is vitally important that Hawaii puts an
end to aquarium collecting in our waters. The Yellow Tang is especially important to the
health of our reefs. These little fish eat the algae that grows on the reef. Unless this
algae is cleaned regularly the reef will die. The Yellow Tang and other small fish not
only clean the reef, but the Honu as well and therefore are a vital part of the ocean eco
system.
Twenty -five percent of the world's endemic fish species live around the Big Island.
Therefore, it is Hawaii's responsibility to the world to protect these fish from
extinction.
Seventy percent of the fish that are collected die before reaching the retail market. The
remainder will die within three years. The aquarium industry has an insatiable appetite
for small reef fish and after depleting the reefs of the Caribbean have turned their
attention to Hawaii.
I know that the permits for fish collecting bring in much needed money to the state.
However, it is a small amount when compared to the amount of money brought into the state
by tourist who enjoy the ocean around our islands. To continue to allow aquarium
collecting is both short sighted and foolish. The ocean activities that the tourist enjoy
is part of the golden goose for our state. The reef must be kept healthy and vibrant in
order to sustain an ongoing tourist industry. We are an island state and the health of
the reef is vital to our economy as well as our ecology.
Is is not Hawaii's responsibility to ensure that somebody in New Jersey has the
opportunity to enjoy a tropical fish tank. It is Hawaii's responsibility to ensure the
health of our reef and eco system remains viable for the long term sustainability of our
island culture.
I appreciate your support on this issue.
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