Subject: Re: NANFA-L-- Almost endangered
From: Joshua L Wiegert (jlw at dune.net)
Date: Mon Sep 06 2004 - 12:49:55 CDT
Hey Bob.
I very much so doubt that the person who collected the fish knew that
they were awaiting protection under the ESA. the trouble with many fishes
and other small animals is that we very often don't know which ones are
federally listed, or protected by states.... This is something that we as
conservationists should try to correct. It especially comes into play
when they're common at a local level. Years ago, I ran into a local
individual who had decided to collect mussels for some reason (I believe
he was planning on eating them.) When I informed him that politely that
they were protected, he was flabbergasted -- "There's millions of them
here!". Of course, he happened to be in one of the few streams that I've
ever seen mussels in.
I believe your fish would not fall under ESA protection, as they're in
captivity prior to any legislation. Although it's illegal to make ivory
piano keys, it's not illegal to own an OLD ivory piano. However, it may
be a good idea to document when you got the fish, and/or contact your
states DNR and ask them what to do. I'm curious, myself, as to what would
happen if you did breed the fish after they were gained federal
protection.... Could you then distribute the young? I don't think so,
but I honestly don't know.
Are the fish currently protected where they were collected? If they
were legally collected, you should be okay. If, on the ohter hand,
someone collected them without knowing that they were protected at teh
state level, it may be in your best legal interests to pass the fish onto
the DNR. The DNR may have a sort of "Big deal, who cares?" attitude, and
let you keep them with permit.
JW.
end
____^___
><,DARWIN,>
Joshua L. Wiegert
AIM UID: JoshuaWiegert ICQ UIN: 276060292
Feel free to contact me by any of the above means for any reason.
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: Fri Dec 31 2004 - 11:27:13 CST