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From Liz
By ; February 9, 2007
Happy New Year: Welcome to the new year and the new design of the Fish 'N' Chips newsletter. I hope that you like it. It's a big issue this month as I've had a lot of new stuff and news to let you know about during my little publishing break.
Links Directory Update: Sadly, the losers of the world have forced me to yet again limit access to Links Directory functions because those with nothing better to do with their lives attempted to fill my directory with offers of the latest enhancements, fake watches, and so on. This time it was as comments to the site listings. I have been forced to make even those who wish to comment on a listing become members before doing so. Sorry folks but them's the breaks.
Review: Kent Marine Kalkwasser Mix
By ; Edited by ; March 17, 2006
I have been using this product for over a year now. I can honestly say that this Kalkwasser mix has always provided me with a consistent result. I have used other mixes but this one just seems to be the most consistent and comes in a small enough size just right for a nano tank. What's great is that all I have to do is mix some of this with some vinegar and I've taken care of calcium and alk in one pop. The instructions are pretty easy to understand even for someone new to kalk. I was afraid at first that I would mess something up as I have heard horror stories, but Kent has done good by me.
Liz's Notes: Editing was limited to spelling and grammar corrections and formatting. No other editing was done, what you read was exactly what was posted on the Saltcreep web site. More information and an image of the product can be found at http://www.kentmarine.com/saltwater/calcium/kalkwasser-mix.htm. Please visit Saltcreep at http://www.saltcreep.com/ for this review, forums, and much more.
Contributor: Saltcreep
Marine Aquarium Council: MAC News 3rd Quarter 2006
Edited by ; December 31, 2006
Director's Note:
How many marine aquarium fish collectors will die before the marine aquarium trade becomes safe and sustainable?
In September another fish collector in Bali was killed while working to support his family with the meager earnings from his difficult and dangerous work.
In this case, Bacok and a fellow collector were diving near their village at depths of 30-40m to collect yellowlined anthias (Pseudanthias luzonensis), squarespot anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) and two color dottyback (Pseudochromis paccagnellae). As is usually the case in Indonesia and many other poor countries, the collectors had no dive watches or depth gauges. Rough weather caused the anchor to drag. A big wave caught the drifting boat and the divers were yanked abruptly to the surface by the air hoses attached to the tire compressor on board. Bacok was dead when he reached the surface, with burst lungs, leaving behind a wife and two young children. The other collector survived.
Bacok was only one of several collectors who die or are maimed each year while trying to fill their orders. Most of these deaths and other work-related injuries of collectors go unrecorded. The collectors are poor and may be among the few people in the village with work. Their death or incapacitation generally has catastrophic impacts on the family and friends who depend on their income, as social welfare support systems are limited or non-existent.
Yes, diving is inherently dangerous - but could this accident have been prevented? Bacok was an experienced collector diving at significant depths. What factors oblige these ill-equipped collectors to take such risks?
Unfortunately the relatively low prices paid for most shallow-water species create a strong incentive for collectors to seek out the rarer, more expensive species, many of which inhabit greater depths. The industry and hobby need to be aware of the risks collectors take to hunt down species that occur at great depths and make more informed choices about the animals they buy. Support from the industry and hobby for adequate equipment and training as the norm for marine aquarium fisheries in all countries would certainly help to make collection practices safer. Improved prices for fish caught under safe conditions would act as an incentive to collect in shallower water - with the added benefit of creating a 'depth refuge' for the deeper reef habitat and stocks.
We should all ask ourselves, especially those buying marine ornamentals, whether industry member or hobbyist: What can I do to help prevent this kind of tragedy and help ensure dignity, decent earnings, and safer working conditions for the collectors who make possible my livelihood or hobby?
North America Update:
Over Seventy (70) Species of MAC Certified Fish Available in North America
The variety of MAC Certified fish coming into North America continues to grow, with over seventy (70) species available for retailers as of September 2006. All of the MAC Certified retailers in North America are stocking a good selection of MAC Certified species. In addition to the highly desirable species mentioned in the 2nd Quarter MAC News, other noteworthy MAC Certified fish include Majestic Angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus), Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), Psychedelic Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus), Bicolor Foxface (Siganus uspi) and Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus exquisitus).
North American hobbyists also have the opportunity to acquire MAC Certified cultured species, with cultured False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) being offered at MAC Certified retailers. Producers of these cultured marine ornamentals became MAC Certified in January 2005 for their facility's compliance with the international Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM) Standard.
Philippines Update:
Collectors and Exporters Make Digital Traceability in the Marine Aquarium Fishery Work
Under the "Identity Preservation and Traceability" project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Academy for Educational Development (AED), MAC worked with collectors and exporters to undertake pilot scale development and implementation of a prototype integrated, real-time, web-based information technology (IT) system for traceability. This system covers collector to exporter interactions in the Philippines, and facilitates compliance with MAC international Standards, with a focus on electronically documenting and tracking shipments to enhance supplier-buyer relations and improve the Philippines' marine aquarium trade.
In developing this "IT traceability system", MAC worked extensively with marine aquarium ornamentals' MAC Certified collectors groups and their coordinators in seven (7) municipalities in the Provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Palawan and with two MAC Certified exporters. The participating collectors, coordinators and exporters were able to understand and use the system with the hardware (computers, printers, and personal digital assistants), software, and training available through the project. MAC, in association with AED, leveraged a unique public-private partnership to facilitate the design and development of this technology for the marine aquarium trade, which was demonstrated to a multi-stakeholders audience, and resulted in the acceptance of the technology at the local community level. Among the principal partners is the Microsoft Corporation, which provided a major software grant as part of the project.
By electronically monitoring the movement of marine aquarium fish through the supply chain, traceability and value can be preserved to promote better return for collectors, and improve efficiency, quality and sustainability for a better managed and documented trade.
For marine ornamental collectors and coordinators the traceability IT system presents several advantages:
- eliminating unreliable and burdensome paper-based documentation,
- enabling coordinators to receive quicker feedback on shipment results and payment details,
- calculating the catch per unit effort (CPUE) per species to avoid over-harvesting,
- enhancing business processes, and
- strengthening presentation and marketing efforts in relations with exporters.
This system can also become a very useful tool for exporters, importers and retailers, by:
- allowing automation of their inventory capability and other core business functions,
- informing better potential buyers of stock availability and organizing shipments that require stocks from multiple sources,
- reducing costs, and time needed to collect, track and verify the data,
- streamlining the overall business processes, and
- encouraging a "collect to order" process and ethos that will reduce pressure on stocks.
While this demonstration project of the prototype IT traceability system and accompanying equipment have been readily accepted by users, there remain many challenges to promoting digital inclusion in the marine aquarium fishery. At the level of coordinators and communities, there is a need for solid IT and communications infrastructure, reliable electricity, access to supply inputs (and related financing), and computer skills upgrading. Moreover, the system will need to be extended to importers and retailers so that "end to end" transactional capability is established. MAC is working to develop project possibilities to continue this work that can improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the marine aquarium trade.
MAC Certified Exporter Highlighted by Online Magazine
The online media, About Saltwater Aquariums, recently highlighted MAC Certified exporter Cebu Mactan Quality Marine Aquarium Fish, located in the Cebu City, due to its dedication to excellence in the husbandry of the marine ornamentals in its care; which is a solid base for marine aquarium organisms moving through the chain of custody from "reef to retail". The owner, Peter Boserio, emphasizes proper care and handling of the marine ornamentals arriving at his facility by minimizing stress- one of the key factors to maintaining fish in optimal health all along the chain of custody, in particular when extensive travel is scheduled from the Philippines to North America or Europe.
This company and other MAC Certified exporters strive to provide excellent facilities, best practices and superior products that are validated as such through compliance with the MAC Standard on Handling, Husbandry and Transport. The press coverage of this MAC Certified exporter confirms the role that MAC Certified companies play in leading the industry to internationally recognized and verified quality and sustainability. Read the full article at http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/blank/bl_chuckcollectorreport.htm.
Indonesia Update:
"South-South" Capacity Building: Indonesia Collectors Learn Responsible Collecting Techniques from Skilled Philippines' Fisherman
Marine ornamental harvesting in Pulau Seribu, Indonesia started around 1960, with the majority of collectors coming from Panggang Island. Many collectors still only use masks, without snorkels or fins. Around 1970, cyanide was unfortunately introduced to the area by others in the marine aquarium industry.
As a result of recently increased enforcement of laws prohibiting cyanide use, and the rapidly rising price of cyanide, collectors and suppliers have committed to alternative techniques for collecting fish. In July 2004, a marine ornamental collectors' group PERNITAS (Perhimpunan Nelayan Ikan Hias dan Karang Hias), was formed in Pulau Panggang. MAC trainers and TERANGI (Indonesia Coral Reef Foundation), a local reef conservation and management organization, have trained the collectors in best practices for collecting and handling to ensure that the fishery is sustainable. However, more specialized training was needed for responsible collecting of some species.
In August 2006, the PERNITAS collectors group received training from Regenito Gador, a Filipino trainer, on techniques for collecting difficult species, such as the Green Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus) and Comet or Marine Betta (Calloplesiops altivelis). The collectors were taught how to make collecting equipment, such as push nets and traps and were shown better post-harvest handling and holding techniques. Regenito was accompanied by Made Partiana: an Indonesian trainer from Les Village in Bali, who also learned the collecting techniques. After the Pulau Seribu efforts, both trainers travelled to Bali, where they trained collectors from Sumber Kima and Pejarakan in the use of the responsible methods. This peer-to-peer training by Made Partiana will continue in other Indonesia villages, where more collectors are interested in learning these techniques.
Jakarta District Government Supports Collectors Training in Pulau Seribu
Ensuring Indonesia collectors use best practices in collecting and post harvest handling to achieve sustainable fisheries has become a priority for some district governments where marine ornamentals are collected. This includes Pulau Seribu, Jakarta Bay, where the District Head fully supports the implementation of sustainable practices to achieve MAC Certification. In September 2006, the Pulau Seribu District government supported the training for ornamental fish collectors from Pulau Panggang provided by MAC and others.
The local marine ornamental collectors and suppliers association (PERNITAS) received nets and basic snorkeling gear for its members. Seventy (70) collectors attended the training which addressed, among other things, post harvest methods, dive health and safety, sustainable fishing practices, reef conservation and management and simple business skills.
Update on Certification:
Marketing Benefits of Being MAC Certified
"I was so surprised to receive sudden orders from Europe for the first time, after the publication, in several European magazines, of articles which mentioned our recent MAC Certification", says Walter Ritte, owner of MAC Certified Hawaii Live Rock, amazed by the press coverage his facility has received.
MAC Certified industry operators can and do benefit directly, as has Hawaii Live Rock, from the public relations that result from obtaining MAC Certification, and from MAC marketing efforts to build brand value and recognition for MAC Certified companies and products.
MAC collaborates with several major trade and hobbyist magazines in Europe and North America. These media leaders in the industry provide regular space for information from MAC on issues related to responsibility and sustainability in the marine aquarium trade. The articles report on MAC efforts and progress in issues of interest to the readers - evidence from these magazines of real support and commitment for a sustainable trade and the role of MAC in achieving this. For example, in the German magazine Koralle, readers can learn about the life of fishers in Indonesia that are learning how to use net collecting techniques. In the US magazine Tropical Fish Hobbyist a recent article highlighted collectors' efforts to learn how to better manage their business operations, including training through an innovative "Business Game" for fisher communities. Tropical Fish Hobbyist also provides a quarterly one page full color MAC ad highlighting the support for MAC from leaders in the marine aquarium world, such as Bruce Carlson, Svein Fosså, and Charlie Veron among others.
These public relations and marketing efforts are reinforced by MAC participation in trade shows and hobbyist conferences as a speaker or an exhibitor. Assistance from the organizers of these events, e.g. complimentary booth space, organizing MAC seminars, are additional ways in which the industry and hobby are providing concrete support for MAC efforts to raise industry and consumer awareness, create demand for MAC Certification and MAC Certified marine ornamentals.
This press coverage and trade show support are an important contribution to promoting MAC Certified collectors and companies committed to quality, sustainability and the future of the industry and hobby.
From the time companies get MAC Certified they receive strong marketing and public relations support as part of the growing network of MAC Certified operations that are increasingly recognized and in demand around the world.
MAC Outreach and Communications:
More Public Aquariums Signal Support for MAC
The list of public aquariums around the world showing support for MAC continues to grow. Most recently, the Bristol Zoo and Garden in the UK did so by signing the MAC "Declaration of Support". Director of the Bristol Zoo and Garden, Dr. Jo Gippes states: "Our institution actively supports the work of the Marine Aquarium Council and is committed towards assisting and aiding them in their mission to conserve coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by achieving sustainable sourcing of animals for both the hobbyist and professional aquarium trade". North American institutions, such as the El Paso Zoo, Texas, have also signed the Declaration.
Aquariums and zoos concerned about the future of coral reefs and interested in ensuring the marine aquarium trade is a force for reef conservation, responsible fisheries and sustainable livelihoods are invited to sign on.
To receive a copy of this Declaration of Support in English or French, please contact MAC at info@aquariumcouncil.org.
Liz's Notes: Editing was limited to spelling and grammar corrections and formatting. Remember to visit the MAC website at http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/ for more information and to subscribe to the newsletter.
Contributor: Marine Aquarium Council
New Stuff
By ; February 9, 2007
Dolphin Drive Hunt Petition: Add your support to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by signing the petition to stop Japan's government sanctioned driving hunts that kill or capture approximately 20,000 cetaceans every year, some of which are endangered.
News
By ; February 9, 2007
11/03/06, MCS
Turning Beach Rubbish Into Art For Coastal Challenge
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/100
11/03/06, MCS
Mcs Response To Science Report 'impacts Of Biodiversity Loss'
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/99
11/08/06, National Geographic News
Dolphin With Four Fins May Prove Terrestrial Origins
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/061106-dolphin-legs.html
11/09/06, MCS
Government Fails To Keep Queen's Speech Commitment To Marine Bill
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/101
11/09/06, National Geographic News
Sea Urchin Genome Reveals Striking Similarities to Humans
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/061109-sea-urchins.html
11/10/06, Science
Special Online Collection: The Sea Urchin Genome
http://www.sciencemag.org/sciext/seaurchin/
11/10/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Butterflyfish suffer after coral bleaching
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1129
11/10/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Clownfish study suggests single genus
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1130
11/10/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Coral eggs signal to sperm
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1131
11/14/06, National Geographic News
Captured Dolphin With Four Fins Spotlights Controversial Hunt
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/061114-dolphin-hunt.html
11/15/06, MCS
Conservationists' Fears Confirmed As Marine Bill Is Excluded From Queen's Speech
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/103
11/20/06, The New Yorker
The New Yorker: The Darkening Sea
http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/061120fa_fact3 (url dead 03/09/08)
11/20/06, MCS
North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission Compromises Deep-sea Protection
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/104
11/22/06, National Geographic News
Photo Gallery: Hawaii Survey Yields Many New Species
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/061122-hawaii-species.html
11/23/06, MCS
Hopes Sunk For Deep-sea Protection
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/105
11/28/06, National Geographic News
Chilean Sea Bass: Back in Stores But Still in Trouble
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/061128-sea-bass.html
11/28/06, National Geographic News
Video: Time Running Out to Save Seafood
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/061128-fishing-video.html
11/29/06, National Geographic News
Photo in the News: Giant "Terrible Fish" Packed Most Powerful Bite
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/11/061129-fish-bite.html
12/08/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Coldwater shrimps act as cleaners
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1156
12/08/06, Practical Fishkeeping
Marine parasite can infect freshwater fish
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1158
12/10/06, Census of Marine Life
Extreme Life, Marine Style, Highlights 2006 Ocean Census
http://www.coml.org/medres/highlights2006/CoML_Highlights_2006_News_Release_Public.pdf
12/11/06, National Geographic News
Extreme New Species Discovered by Sea-Life Survey
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061211-sea-creatures.html
12/12/06, National Geographic News
Video: Octopus Escapes Through One-Inch Hole
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061212-octopus-video.html
12/13/06, Planetsave Network
Farm sediment, fertilizers damaging MesoAmerican coral reef
http://www.planetsave.com/ps_mambo/The_News/Feature_Articles/Farm_sediment,_fertilizers_damaging_MesoAmerican_coral_reef_200612138211/
(url dead 03/09/08)
12/14/06, National Geographic News
China's Rare River Dolphin Now Extinct, Experts Announce
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061214-dolphin-extinct.html
12/14/06, National Geographic News
Sea Level May Rise 40 Percent Higher Than Predicted, Study Says
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061214-sea-level.html
12/14/06, National Geographic News
Photo in the News: World's Tallest Man Saves Dolphin
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061214-dolphin-photo.html
12/15/06, Reef Relief
Sewage plant agrees to quit dumping waste near reef
http://www.reefrelief.org/reefreliefnews/reefnews.asp?file=sewageplant.html
12/18/06, Asian Tribune
Canada investor plans to grow coral reef in Sri Lanka as an export business
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/3707
12/19/06, National Geographic News
52 New Species Found in Borneo, Report Announces
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061219-borneo-species.html
12/21/06, MCS
EU Fish Stocks Continue Down A Slippery Slope
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/107
12/22/06, National Geographic News
Photo in the News: Giant Squid Captured, Filmed for First Time
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061222-giant-squid.html
01/01/07, Reef Relief
Keys fear disaster if Cuba taps nearby oil
http://www.reefrelief.org/reefreliefnews/reefnews.asp?file=keysfear.html
01/03/07, National Geographic News
Photo in the News: Endangered Whale Killed by Ship
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/01/070103-whale-dead.html
01/05/07, Practical Fishkeeping
Reef fish cultivates algal crop
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1175
01/05/07, Practical Fishkeeping
Groupers and moray eels hunt cooperatively
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1178
01/07/07, Reef Relief
Florida's Coastal & Ocean Coalition Plans for New Florida Leadership
http://www.reefrelief.org/reefreliefnews/reefnews.asp?file=NewLeadership.html
01/10/07, National Geographic News
Porpoises Starving in Europe Due to Ocean Warming
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/01/070110-porpoises.html
01/11/07, National Geographic News
Bizarre New Form of Life Found in Arctic Ocean, Scientists Announce
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/01/070111-new-lifeform.html
01/16/07, National Geographic News
Video: Octopus Glides Through Plastic Maze
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/01/070116-octopus-video.html
01/18/07, MCS
Anniversary Of Thames Whale Visit
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/110
01/18/07, MCS
British Beachcombers Urged To Look Out For Rare Turtles
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/109
01/20/07, MCS
Was MSC Napoli Seaworthy And Fit To Fly The British Flag?
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/111
01/21/07, National Geographic News
Photo Gallery: Rare "Prehistoric" Shark Photographed Alive
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/01/070124-sharks-photo.html
01/22/07, MCS
Ship Pollution Smothering Beaches And Marine Habitats
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/112
01/24/07, CBS
Caught On Tape: Rare Prehistoric Shark In Japan
http://cbs5.com/pets/2.451780.html
(url updated 03/09/08, originally http://cbs5.com/pets/local_story_024183117.html)
01/24/07, National Geographic News
Photo in the News: Blue Jellyfish Invade Australia Beaches
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/01/070123-blue-jellyfish.html
01/25/07, MCS
MSC Napoli: An Accident Waiting To Happen?
http://www.mcsuk.org/newsevents/press_view.php/113
01/29/07, Practical Fishkeeping
Brit jailed for shark smuggling
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1195
Upcoming Events
By ; February 9, 2007
February 2007:
March 2007:
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October 2007:
November 2007:
Wallpaper of the Month
By ; December 25, 2006
Title: Arctica
Copyright: Ryan Bliss, Digital Blasphemy
Link to Wallpaper: http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/fshow.shtml?i=arctica&w=1152&h=864&y=2004&n=Arctica&b=count
May become unavailable as artist switches what is in the free gallery.
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