HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1145.133 2012-2014V
C01,,, .,rays
Aloha County Council Members
My name is David Dart 2014 ON 16 PM 2. 22
This testimony is in opposition to Bill 318 regarding aquarium fish treatment.
I am here specifically to address mistaken beliefs that there is high mortality in shipping AQ fish from
the Big Island. There is not a single bit of evidence that this is the case. There are zero scientific studies
to back this up. There is, however, independent scientific studies done showing 100% survivability in
shipping from Hawaii County.
Beware of self proclaimed "reef fish experts" with no fishery degree and biologists who have not done
any published studies with peer review and are closely associated with the opposition. What have they
done in Hawaii County? On shipping off the Big Island? Ask them.
No doubt the opposition here will come up with some study showing shipping mortality. No doubt it
will be dated and show problems in shipping from a third world country where cyanide and destructive
methods were used for collection. What about a Big Island study? Let's look at a recent two year
independent Washington State thesis study done by Emily Munday, under the direction of Dr. Brian
Tossot, a world renown reef fish expert, done right here in Hawaii county. Ms. Munday collected fish with
local collectors using standard operation procedures. 60 yellow tang were separated out of the load
and transferred to a local export shop where they were held, purged and then shipped to Portland in
standard shipping bags. Sixty days later there were zero deaths. In fact 2 1/2 years later they are doing
fine in an exhibit at the Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Center. This exhibit highlights the
sustainability of the Hawaii aquarium trade.
Shipping one fish in a gallon of water is nonsensical. Some of our fish are 2" fish while others may be
12". There is no credible science behind one size fits all. Our fish are packed according to size of
fish and duration of flights. Experts know that it is the oxygen in a shipping bag that is the most important
variable not water. Our outstanding success in West Hawaii providing quality, sustainable fish to world
wide dealers is well known.
Kole and yellow tang comprise over 93% of the catch. According to DAR biologist Dr. Walsh, since
the Fish Replenishment Areas were implemented, there are 1.3 million more yellow tang and 3 million
more kole in West Hawaii. As he said, "clearly, resource management is working in West Hawaii".
This bill does not recognize or cite any scientific study that would warrant such a drastic change from
current best and proven practices. Mahalo
1 5.13
ku$. To:
Ruf'. DaiE-_ 1 8 2014__