First shark feeding and now aquarium fish, Maui County is on a tear to regulate ocean activities.
Per the Maui News, a bill has been introduced to regulate the harvest of reef fish. Per the article:
Molina's bill would do the following to require the humane treatment of aquarium fish:
* Prohibit many industry practices, including withholding food for more than 12 hours; deflating the swim bladder; trimming the spine or fins; exposure to air; and temperature changes of more than 2 degrees.
* Include causing the death of fish as being an inhumane treatment of aquatic life.
* Require documentation of mortality rates and disposal methods of dead fish.
* Provide that violations would be a misdemeanor with a fine between $500 and $2,000 and up to a year in jail.
I have heard discussions about the unregulated aspects of this industry and the negative impacts of the harvest of aquarium fish. One issue is that this bill could (I have not found a copy of the bill yet) be superceded by superior state law. A problem that the Maui County Corporation Counsel acknowledges in its memorandum on this issue. (Memo here).
Stay tuned.
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