HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1145.127 2012-2014P/AWESG
November 17, 2014
Dear Honorable Members of the Hawai'i County Council:
On behalf of the 228 accredited member institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA), I would like to take this opportunity to express our serious concerns regarding County of
Hawai'i Bill 318 that would purportedly improve the welfare of aquarium life within Hawai'i
County by prohibiting appropriate fasting for transported animals and establishing an arbitrary
minimum water volume for transport purposes. We respectfully submit that if this bill were to
pass, it would become impossible to ship fish and aquatic invertebrates in a safe and humane
manner and thus, greatly impact the ability of accredited aquariums and zoos to educate and
inspire millions of visitors with compelling exhibits that showcase the natural beauty of marine
life and habitats, including coral reefs and coral reef fishes.
AZA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and
aquariums in the areas of animal care and husbandry, conservation, education, science and
recreation. With over 185 million visitors to 228 accredited zoos and aquariums, AZA's focus on
connecting people and animals provides a critical link to helping animals in their native habitats.
AZA zoos and aquariums are committed to conserving the world's oceans for future generations
of Americans and people around the globe. We do this by educating our audiences about issues
related to ocean health, and encourage them to join us in reducing threats to fragile ocean
ecosystems and wildlife. This is very important as a recent National Research Council study
found that people learn as much as 90% of their science in informal settings such as accredited
zoos and aquariums. We strongly believe that our message of respect, wonder and
appreciation of the natural world contributes significantly to coral reef conservation and
management.
There are very few fish species that cannot be safely fasted. For nearly all species, a two or
more day fast is routinely done to clear the gut of food so the transport bag will not be fouled.
Fouling leads to toxic levels of ammonia, and reduced concentrations of oxygen. Furthermore,
non-fasted fishes have higher oxygen demands thus exacerbating the problem. The provisions
of this bill will not improve the standards for animal welfare; rather they will have the opposite
effect leading to higher rates of mortality.
Regarding the minimum water volume requirement, there are no published reports or scientific
studies that we are aware of that support the proposed one -gallon per each "aquarium life"
standard as specified in the bill. This is an arbitrary and capricious "standard" which appears to
be designed solely to eliminate all wild fish collections in the County. If animal welfare is the
true intent of this bill, it would be extended to cover the welfare of aquacultured aquarium life.
Those animals will continue to be shipped using recognized industry standards including fasting
and appropriate water volumes for each species. Passage of this legislation, will not only limit a
fully sustainable trade, but would prevent the normal and ethical transport between zoological
facilities under the best standards of practical care....including Hawaii -based zoos, aquariums
and research institutions.
Comm. NL- � � �1�. 170
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Ro,F. Daae 14
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November 17, 2014
Dear Honorable Members of the Hawai'i County Council:
On behalf of the 228 accredited member institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA), I would like to take this opportunity to express our serious concerns regarding County of
Hawai'i Bill 318 that would purportedly improve the welfare of aquarium life within Hawai'i
County by prohibiting appropriate fasting for transported animals and establishing an arbitrary
minimum water volume for transport purposes. We respectfully submit that if this bill were to
pass, it would become impossible to ship fish and aquatic invertebrates in a safe and humane
manner and thus, greatly impact the ability of accredited aquariums and zoos to educate and
inspire millions of visitors with compelling exhibits that showcase the natural beauty of marine
life and habitats, including coral reefs and coral reef fishes.
AZA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and
aquariums in the areas of animal care and husbandry, conservation, education, science and
recreation. With over 185 million visitors to 228 accredited zoos and aquariums, AZA's focus on
connecting people and animals provides a critical link to helping animals in their native habitats.
AZA zoos and aquariums are committed to conserving the world's oceans for future generations
of Americans and people around the globe. We do this by educating our audiences about issues
related to ocean health, and encourage them to join us in reducing threats to fragile ocean
ecosystems and wildlife. This is very important as a recent National Research Council study
found that people learn as much as 90% of their science in informal settings such as accredited
zoos and aquariums. We strongly believe that our message of respect, wonder and
appreciation of the natural world contributes significantly to coral reef conservation and
management.
There are very few fish species that cannot be safely fasted. For nearly all species, a two or
more day fast is routinely done to clear the gut of food so the transport bag will not be fouled.
Fouling leads to toxic levels of ammonia, and reduced concentrations of oxygen. Furthermore,
non-fasted fishes have higher oxygen demands thus exacerbating the problem. The provisions
of this bill will not improve the standards for animal welfare; rather they will have the opposite
effect leading to higher rates of mortality.
Regarding the minimum water volume requirement, there are no published reports or scientific
studies that we are aware of that support the proposed one -gallon per each "aquarium life"
standard as specified in the bill. This is an arbitrary and capricious "standard" which appears to
be designed solely to eliminate all wild fish collections in the County. If animal welfare is the
true intent of this bill, it would be extended to cover the welfare of aquacultured aquarium life.
Those animals will continue to be shipped using recognized industry standards including fasting
and appropriate water volumes for each species. Passage of this legislation, will not only limit a
fully sustainable trade, but would prevent the normal and ethical transport between zoological
facilities under the best standards of practical care....including Hawaii -based zoos, aquariums
and research institutions.
Comm. NL- � � �1�. 170
Ref. To: r
Ro,F. Daae 14
The AZA community views itself as potential partners with the State of Hawai'i and its counties.
We have the well-documented ability to speak to hundreds of millions of visitors annually about
marine conservation needs. AZA accredited institutions agree that a common-sense regulatory
approach that governs the humane take, the humane after -capture husbandry and humane and
ethical transport of coral reef species in a fully sustainable manner, is a positive step in
enhancing the coral reef fishery populations throughout the State. It is also important that
legislation affecting this industry follow the best -methods standards established over decades of
proven techniques and research.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on these important decisions.
Respectfully,
�DL
Steven G. Olson
Vice President, Federal Relations
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Bruce Cadson
Director Emeritus
Waikiki Aquarium