Memorandum submitted by the Federation
of British Aquatic Societies
We have attempted to be as clear as is possible
in describing not only the Federation's own actions in ensuring
that fish are cared for in a positive way during exhibitions but
also the likely negative impact any proposed legislation may have
on the hobby. We also describe the present positive actions by
hobbyists in respect of conservation issues.
The Federation of British Aquatic Societies
(FBAS) wishes to place on record its views on the proposed licensing
of animal exhibitions, with particular reference to those of aquarium
fishes at Society Shows.
Whilst, technically-speaking, fish are often
sold at such Shows these are normally not for immediate financial
gain but simply a means of disposal of surplus home-bred stock
by members; the relatively small amounts of moneys involved merely
offset some of the costs of maintaining the breeding stock rather
than contribute to the costs of running the exhibition. The extra
financial burden of a licence fee would, we fear, result in many
Shows not being undertaken. It is our submission that it would
be unfair to licence such Shows under the assumption that these
sales are, in any manner, comparable to a commercial trading opportunity.
The FBAS believes that should such exhibitions
become subject to licence, this act will destroy not only a major
hobby in the UK, by making such events financially non-viable
from the outset, but also remove a vital resource to conservation
of fishes in the wild. We would impress upon all concerned the
important part played by active hobbyists in this respect.
By captive breeding of species, by hobbyists,
Zoos and Public Aquariums the immediate need to capture replacements
from the wild is avoided, a fact commonly accepted. However, hobbyists
play a far deeper role than merely providing an environmentally
friendly source of fish.
Many species that are endangered in the wild,
through over-collection or depletion of natural habitats, have
been saved from extinction by hobbyists who maintain self-sustaining
stocks in captivity. In such instances, close co-operation with
Zoos and Public Aquariums ensure that such species are also made
available to others for further propagation. An example of this
is the livebearing fish Skiffia francesae which now only
exists in the aquariums of hobbyists rather than in its own natural
habitat.
Again, whilst collecting trips by hobbyists
have often thrown up either environmental dangers on one hand
they have, on a more positive note, also revealed previously undescribed
species which have been subsequently classified for science. Further
research into the care and reproduction of such species has again
benefited both science and the hobby through the dissemination
of information. An example of this is the work being undertaken
by the Fish and Invertebrates Taxonomy Aquatic Group (FAITAG)
in association with Chester Zoo with African Cichlids.
Further liaisons with Zoos and Public Aquariums
have resulted in the placement of surplus unwanted species (usually
those that have outgrown their quarters); this is a far happier
outcome than the often inhumane disposal of stock or, even worse,
their irresponsible release into British waters.
We shall be seeking endorsements of our views
from several Zoos and Public Aquariums that have become actively
involved with hobbyists in such conservational schemes as outlined
above.
For these reasons, we would ask that the exhibiting
of aquarium fishes is not only allowed but encouraged in the future
for all the conservational benefits they provide, and that such
exhibitions are not restricted in any way by being included as
licensable events.
24 August 2004
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