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Our Thoughts on Aquaculture...
The aquaculture industry has recently become one of the high-growth areas in
the Marine Aquatic Industry. In the process a few questions have been raised
as to how this area is being developed. These are some of our our thoughts
in this arena. |
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Livestock
Availability:
There has to be a sustainable source of corals if
the growth of the coral industry is to continue and the
pricing is to remain reasonable to the hobbyist. There
are times when large-scale bleaching on coral reefs have
impacted their availability. The are also governments
that have enacted (or are presently considering) laws
that markedly reduce the exporting of livestock from
certain areas in the world.
Scientific Research:
The science behind aquaculturing corals has
developed to the point where anyone with the
understanding of the techniques and the proper
facilities can enter the fray.
Retail Sales:
Due to their access to equipment and feedstock, some
wholesalers and retailers have entered into the aquaculture trade. They take existing corals
and break them down into smaller segments and grow these
pieces into individual corals. While there are times
when saving parts of a coral that is in danger is a
honorable mission, creating a subset industry of
"aquacultured" corals grown in a warehouse raises
ethical questions.
The Big Question:
This poses the question "Just because you can do
it... should you"?
Around the world there are communities (and
sometimes whole countries) whose major means of
financial support is based on their ability to export
Marine Livestock (including Live Rock). These
communities
have supplied our industry from it's inception. It was
also in these areas where the concept of aquaculturing
came to fruition. Should we be taking [from them] a
product and service that they have provided for years... and in some
instances is the basis of their livelihood?
Our Answer:
No! Simple enough. There have always been times when
someone invents a better mousetrap. When this happens,
everyone benefits. This is not one of those times. We
have a moral and ethical responsibility to support the
indigenous peoples of the world whose survival is
dependent on this industry. Even if your not willing to
stand on moral grounds you need to understand that once
we begin taking away their lifestyle it will make our
industry more difficult to sustain. Local governments
will take more stock in maintaining a higher level of
conservation even to the point of preventing the export
of livestock from their waters. As it is, environmental
concerns presently impact our industry and it will only
get worse if we present ourselves as the face of greed
in these areas. We at Pacific Aqua Farms stand behind
the existing workers and suppliers of our trade and do
not buy from companies in the aquaculture cottage
industry that has sprung up outside of native habitats. |
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Pacific
Aqua Farms • 5450 W. 104th St., Los Angeles, CA •
310.215.3474
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