Interesting Post by Lee Goldman (More MAC incompetence, thievery... is this part of the U.S. gov't?) -02/25/08
I saw this post by Lee Goldman on the coral-list serve today. I thought you might find it interesting...
<Thank you for this. NOTE: This was not sent to me, nor WWM directly by the MAC nor Mr. Goldman. RMF>
Dear List,
In association with recent posts about the failure of MAC, clearly as an industry, we are no different from any industry whose success (or
failure) is dictated by supply and demand. Education (at both the point of origin AND at the consumer end) is not inadequate and
certainly does not lack passion and desire to see things right. So what caused the dismissal of conservation practices in Vanuatu (like
so many other places)? Demand...from people who, I suspect, really don't care about what is going on (either they know and don't care or
don't care enough to know - again at both the P of O, and a majority of the consumers).
What's worse?
How about every retail shop slapping a label on their corals saying they were 'aquacultured' with the highest level of coral conservation
in practice. Easy words to say, hard to prove it's not as they say.
So easily duped are so many people, hard to convince them otherwise.
As someone who has spent many years developing what I believe to be a win-win situation (growing corals from larvae so that no existing
coral colonies are harvested from the reef) I was motivated by the desire to see change within the industry. Living out in Micronesia and
the Philippines for over 10 years, my approach was to include local business and sustainability so that jobs, money, and respect can be
abundant in local communities. Alas, I am yet again frustrated by this recent news from Vanuatu.
Although the aquarium trade is, at times, it's own worst enemy in the area of coral conservation, I know many people within the industry who
are trying their best to educate and do the right thing. As we can see by the example posted today, we lost more ground...
Regards,
Lee Goldman
Coral Farm Guam
PO Box 6682
Tamuning, GU
96931
671.646.6744
Coralfarmguam@yahoo.com

Naso lituratus? Nah, and MAC  – 1/26/08
Hello guys,
I have a 120 gallon wave front reef tank with five green chromis and one purple tang. It used to have a yellow tang as well but the purple slowly killed the yellow over time (stress I assume).
<In a word>
Any way I have read through all the FAQ's on the Naso and it seems that the aggression can very
<vary>
from one to the other.
<Mmm, yes>
I have found a wonderful "blonde" Naso that is double or more in size than the purple so I am wondering with the size difference will he be OK in the tank?
<Perhaps... but this tank will be too small for this species>
There is a good amount of live rock and caves in there and the tank is very deep.
Also the Naso is MAC certified.
<Meaning? They collected/stole some money "through the system", ultimately from you... only>
Thanks so much for your input.
Chris Abegglen
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Net caught fish from Filipinos increasing w/out MAC  9/9/06
There is an embarrassment of riches being produced now by Filipino net caught divers worldwide without MACs permission.
Net trained Filipinos not trained, aligned or inspired by the MAC produce the following conservatively;
Tonga 200 boxes a week
Vanuatu 100 boxes a week
Belize 100 boxes a week
<Really? I wonder where, for whom?>
Saudi Arabia 100 boxes a week
Inside the Philippines 100 + boxes a week
That's... 600 boxes a week
Steve <Robinson>
ps.
If you add MACs 15 boxes a week  the total is now 615 boxes a week of net caught fishes! Alas...if only they pulled their weight and helped us out in this movement we could <end of msg.>
<MAC is a scam Steve... PaulH is a shyster... My first, current and last opinion. Bob Fenner>

MAC and PHOTOS ... Lead, follow, or best, get out of the way  6/22/06
La Colle sur Loup, le 22 Juin 2006
To whom it may concern,
<Bonjour>
I contact you as our organization the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) is in the process of developing a technical tool, and would like to receive
your authorization to insert some of the photos your website presents to illustrate this technical document.
<Am very familiar with MAC and their programs...>
Indeed, we are in the process of developing a MOID (MAC Organisms Identification) system in order to facilitate the communications among
the different level of the marine ornamental trade.
It aims on coding MAC Certified organisms as numbers, in order to facilitate their respective naming and exchange in verbal or in text
messages communications, as in the marine ornamental trade scientific names are too long to be used.
Moreover, supply and demand side often face communication problems as they use different common or even scientific names for the same organism.
Thus the MOID will help to facilitate their communication.
<One would hope>
In order to develop this system, we would like to accompany each marine ornamental species by a photo, as pictures will help mainly
collectors/fishermen to identify species.
Please find enclosed a list of the photos we would like to insert in this technical document.
If you are not familiar with our organization, the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) is an international, multi-stakeholder, not-for-profit,
non-governmental organization. It brings together conservation organizations, the aquarium industry, public aquariums, hobbyist groups
and government agencies to ensure the marine aquarium trade is responsible and sustainable.
MAC's mission is "to conserve coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by creating standards and certification for those engaged in the collection
and care of ornamental marine life from reef to aquarium." MAC accomplishes its mission through the following activities:
*         Establishing independent certification of best practice standards;
*         Raising public awareness of the conservation role of the marine aquarium industry and hobbyists;
*         Providing objective, accurate data on the marine ornamental trade;
*         Promoting the sustainable use of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems though the responsible collection of marine ornamental life;
*         Ensuring the health and quality of marine ornamental life through responsible collection, handling and transporting practices; and
*         Encouraging responsible husbandry through education and training.
Please find enclosed a MAC background file, as well as an international Standard FAQ.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon
Very best regards
Nathalie
<Actually, after several years now of spending several million dollars of OPM, the MAC has done little of what they've trumpeted as their "goals" other than to re-state them, change and add to them over these many years... As a stated "non-profit" you are welcome to the use of my image work... as you may find on WWM or other image site WetWebFotos.com
Please see these re what you seek and communicate back.
Bob Fenner>
Nathalie GAMAIN
Marine Aquarium Council
Communications Director
Email:  <mailto:nathalie.gamain@aquariumcouncil.org>
nathalie.gamain@aquariumcouncil.org
Website:www.aquariumcouncil.org
Ph: 33 6 64 70 34 14
INTERNATIONAL/USA:  923 Nu'uanu Ave, Honolulu, Hawai'i, 96817, USA Ph: +1 808 550-8217; Fax: +1 808 550-8317
EUROPE/UK: 43 St. Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LW, UK    Ph: +44 1865 516 695; Fax: +44 1865 516695
PHILIPPINES:  6/F, Salustiana D. Ty Tower, 104 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Philippines    Ph: +63 2 893-7252; Fax: +63 2 817-9541
INDONESIA:  Jl. Pengembak no. 1, Sanur, Bali 80228, Indonesia    Ph: +62 361 285 297/ 285 299; Fax: +62 361 286 383
PACIFIC/FIJI:  P. O. Box S23, MH Superfresh, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji   Ph. 679 3595933; Fax 679 3392764
The information contained in or attached to this e-mail is confidential and may be subject to legal privilege. Access to this e-mail by anyone
other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not use, copy, distribute or disclose the
e-mail or any part of its contents or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this e-mail in error please notify us immediately
by e-mail or telephone. The Marine Aquarium Council reserves the right to monitor the content of the message and any reply received

Re: MAC and PHOTOS   6/23/06
LA Colle sur Loup, le 23 Juin 2006
Dear Bob
Thanks for your answer, and for providing our organization the
opportunity to insert some of your photos within this technical document.
We appreciate your collaboration and support
Very best regards
Nathalie
<I am very much in support of the principles, goals stated. Thank you for your efforts. Bob Fenner>
Nathalie GAMAIN
Marine Aquarium Council
Communications Director

Why did Marine Fauna not seek  recertification with MAC?   1/30/06
<Steve... is MAC pertinent at all... really... let PaulH go steal from someone else. BobF>
Some visitors of the MAC website may have noticed that  Marine Fauna (MF) is
not listed as certified exporter since August 2005. MF  was approached by MAC
for recertification but we feel that in the current  situation MAC has to work
out substantial aspects of its program in order  to raise the certification
status to an attractive level. In the following  we share a short summary of the
reasons why the management of MF decided  not to seek recertification at this
point of time:  
    *   MAC certified fish supply is limited to the  following species:
Mandarin, Banded sharks and their eggs, Tomato,  Maroon, Percula, Chelmon and every
two to three months a single blue  face angel. According to our export data,
the amount of MAC certified  fish is by number 2 to 4 % of our total animal
sale, despite the fact  that we try to satisfy our orders with exclusively MAC
certified fish.   
    *   We were promised by MAC that the situation will change in  favor of
higher and more diverse supply by the middle of 2004 which did  not.  
    *   Currently, we can't comply with the minimum  traceability requirement
of MAC to identify any supplied MAC certified  fish by an individual
collector. So far we received from our  supplier in Batasan only the number of
individuals of a single species,  the different collectors' IDs and the entire batch
together in a bag  (Mandarin), or in individual plastic bags (Chelmon) but
without  individual identification number of the respective collector.  
    *   We do not feel that the individual collectors' identity  must be with
each fish. We consider it as sufficient enough, to be able  to trace any
batch of fishes back to a group of collectors at a  definite to trace back any
problems through the entire chain of custody.  However, it's a core requirement
and we can't be certified unless  this is changed (core requirements have to be
met for certification  according to the MAC Standards). It is surprising to
us that Batasan  passed recertification without satisfying this minimum
traceability  requirement.  
    *   Our DOA and DAA reports from importers as well as our own  DOA and
DAA in the facility reduce the number of MAC certified fish  saleable as such to
0.2 to 0.4% of our entire animal sales because of  exceeding the cumulative
and added DOA mortality allowance for MAC  certified fish. Unfortunately, the
availability of data from other  certified exporters have not been accessible
yet, despite several  announcements by MAC in the past, so we can't compare our
actual  standing regarding DOA and DAA with other exporters.  
    *   MAC does not differentiate DOA and DAA between species  that ship
easily (e.g. Mandarin) and species that ship usually  with higher DOA (e.g.
Wrasses).  
    *   The feedback of certified importers does not allow us  to record data
as required. Feedback is sometimes a single sentence  such as "good shipment"
or "very few DOA only".  
    *   We have experienced, that the transport starting  from the moment the
shipment is turned over to the cargo section of the  airline until such time
that the client receives the cargo from the  customs in the importing country,
must have a major impact on the DOA  and DAA of the shipment. We had
shipments ranging from 0 DOA up to  40% DOA. The suppliers and our handling and
packing standards have been  both the same for extremely different shipments. This
fact is not  considered in the MAC mortality allowance.  
    *   In the past we have been asked frequently about the  sustainability
in the trade mandated by MAC. So far we couldn't  answer the questions and we
believe that MAC needs urgently to come up  with data to prove sustainability
of the collection areas. So far all  fish ordered will be caught.  
    *   In the certification assessment the exporter is asked  about how he
is ensuring that the MAC label packs are not used by  unauthorized users. This
is ridiculous because the MAC label packs  have been promised for 2 years now,
but were never received.  
    *   The paper work required for documentation is far too  much and we
feel it's overdone, particularly considering the lacking  availability of MAC
certified fish. We strongly propose to trim down the  documentation to minimum
core documentation and probably a very limited  set of docs. Documentation of
staff training records, equipment  maintenance plans, calibration of measuring
devices etc. is in the  foremost interest of the exporter and shouldn't need
MAC control.  
    *   Communication of MAC with certified exporters is  unsatisfactory. No
direct written information is provided to  certified parties about new
certifications (except biannual webpage  corrections), updates, events etc. The
newsletter from the email MAC  subscription is more for public information and
can't replace the direct  communication with certified parties. For instance,
Marine Fauna learned  from the webpage of MAC that it is not listed under the
certified  exporters anymore.  
    *   The number of MAC certified importers is far below the  predicted
goals of MAC. Feedback from companies who turned down the  certification can be
grouped into the following criticism: impractical  documentation, MAC fish is
not healthier than other fish from good  exporters, DOA and DAA values are
arbitrary figures without scientific  basis, few MAC fish available only,
expensive certification and no  visible market advantage with MAC fish.
Despite the issues above we are still supportive of the  initial MAC
certification program. Currently, there is a striking  mismatch between the required
commitment to the MAC certification and the  actual advantages of MAC. MF
management has decided to wait with the  application for recertification until the
issues mentioned above are  solved.  
Follow on...
<Steve... is MAC pertinent at all... really... let PaulH go steal  from someone else. BobF>
Bob,
But...They have money to last and not produce.
<Money taken under false pretenses...>
Pauls blaming it all on others and the string of firings have left no one from before except John Brandt.
<John should stick to wiping down tanks>
He and Dave Vossler both want Pauls job...but want others to do the  hatchet job on Paul.
No hatchet job needed. The record speaks for itself.
Vegas should be interesting.
Steve
PS Being right all along about this was easy. And Pauls enemies list...w/  lots of ex-MAC people is long.
<All so predictable... I do hope that Clint Eastwood lives long enough to add one more "spaghetti western" movie/play of this nonsense. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Please post on Wet-Web Media (from RDO) Re: Cyanide use in the pet-fish interest 1/8/06
<Will do Peter. Thanks for sending it along. BobF>
"Cyanide velly good, it how you use it!" I heard this a few years ago at one
of the initial MAC meetings in LA and still remember it vividly. It was said
by one of the guys from Indo, I wish I could remember his last name or still
had his card. - JT
Back to top
         Cortez marine
{squat}
Joined: 15 Nov 2001
Posts: 1979
Location: San Jose, Calif.
Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 3:41 am    Post subject: drinks and lunch  
JT, I had drinks w/ that guy and Barnett of Global. He was hilarious and very
self convinced. He was proud of the greater skill as he put it of Indonesian
cyanide fishers over the Filipinos. Then, the next hour I remember lunch w/
PIJAC and Holthus of MAC. Even more surreal. Steve
Back to top          
Boy, I'm glad no pics were taken of me. Steve, is it Rudy Batara that I am
thinking of? - JT
Back to top
         JT
Reefkeeper
Joined: 03 Feb 2000
Posts: 452
Location: Turn Around ;-)
Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:01 pm    Post subject:   
On second thought, maybe that's not who it was. I think it was Rudy somebody
though.... - JT
PS-JT had the name right, Rudy Batara is the Indonesian who was at the
meeting in Los Angeles (although I was not there). It is alleged that he distributes
cyanide to collectors in metal kerosene cans. Since, sodium cyanide does not
dissolve in either gasoline or kerosene, cyanide tablets are commonly smuggled
to villages in containers with these fuels. This explains why Bob Fenner
noted that cyanide squirt bottles he observed in Indonesia smelled of kerosene
(see the comment in his paper in the Conscientious Marine Aquarists).
In any event, there is nothing "very good" about cyanide, and its use for
cyanide fishing needs to be stopped NOW. Let's stop tolerating its use. The only
valid question should be "What is the best way to stop the distribution and
sale of cyanide to collectors, and how do we get the collectors to stop using it?"
Peter Rubec

You were right Bob... lying, thievery - 01/03/2006
Bob,
You had it all figured out. Go over to reefs.org and read the thread about the Tide Center and CCIF. It is on the industry forum.
Mitch
<Thanks much for this Mitch... did return your phone call re... Sigh: http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=79732
You're spot on... I do hope these folks "skirting the tax law" at least works them woe with the IRS... Bob Fenner>
Mitch Gibbs

Marineland orchestration of MACNA events?
Hey Bob,
Loved your talk at MACNA.
Too bad it will always be remembered as the one where Anthony became a martyr.
<Hee hee! His fave role!>
After dealing with Ron Wishna, I can well understand how it all happened  but now I hear increasingly that Marineland may have had a hand in pulling the  
puppetstrings of Wishna.
<I did hear summat re this... but discount the possibility seriously>
       If this is true, then the precedent is  disturbing.
The CENTRAL...[cough..] PET-ization of the trade would make a   standardization that would serve to squelch independents and promote a Home  Depot/Wal-Mart style uniformity.
<Nah, doubtful... the trade and ready reserve which is the aquarists themselves are too "independent"... we'd have a few "Bob Sherman's" (the founder of Marineland) come forward and dust off the corporate rogues>
        The independent speakers may not  see it this way.     Was it really just personal or was Ron making serious  money by serving in the interest of larger players? What do you think?
Sincerely,
<I really think RonW is a business/show coordinator who sees some sort of income/future from his involvement in shows, but is sadly lacking in knowledge, expertise re the hobby, business of ornamental aquatics... I suspect his time is done. Bob Fenner>
Steve  Robinson
_www.cortezmarine.com_ (http://www.cortezmarine.com)
PS The MAC / MAMTI / REEFCHECK/ PACKARD mob to rule the livestock  world is
already a fact and the funding already approved to push it. Dry  goods as well?
<No doubt here. Bob F>

MARINE AQUARIUM COUNCIL
International Certification for the Quality and Sustainability of Marine Aquarium Organisms … from Reef to Retail
MAC News - 4th Quarter 2003
Director’s Note:
-MAC Certification starts at the reef. It is only natural, therefore, that our single largest operational focus by far involves building the capacity of collectors and their communities to achieve certification in relation to resource management and use. In doing so, we increase the amount of MAC Certified supply and achieve the associated results of coral reef management and conservation. Working with the collectors and their communities requires patience and understanding, as the process is complex and time-consuming. Community interaction to develop management plans must be facilitated. The training and skills development of fishers in net collecting and post-harvest handling must be ensured.  While it is frustrating that a large supply of MAC Certified marine ornamentals is not immediately available, this supply will grow rapidly.  
MAC spent much of 2003 locating the resources for improving and expanding MAC supply side activities. As we report below, these preparatory efforts are paying off. Significant new supply is available, and major new MAC Certified supply development projects have been launched.-
Supply of MAC Certified Organisms Boosted with First MAC Certification in the Pacific 
In December 2003 Walt Smith International (WSI) in Fiji was successfully assessed against all three MAC Core Standards: Ecosystem and Fishery Management (EFM); Collection, Fishing and Holding (CFH); and Handling,
Husbandry and Transport (HHT). WSI is the first MAC Certification in the Pacific. The company’s certification includes four collection areas managed under a traditional custodial ownership structure. This type of reef management is common in Fiji and substantial parts of the Pacific. The collectors operating in these areas have been certified, as has the export facility. The certification of WSI collection areas, collectors and facilities increases dramatically the availability and diversity of MAC Certified supply. Many of the fish species, invertebrates and corals will be available with MAC Certified status for the first time. 
Progress towards More MAC Certified Supply from the Pacific Companies in a number of Pacific Island countries are increasingly interested in becoming MAC Certified. A second company in Fiji and one in Vanuatu are preparing to be assessed for certification during the first quarter of 2004. In Kiribati, MAC was a key participant in a major workshop on sustainable marine aquarium fisheries for Christmas Island that involved all the island’s collection and export operations, as well as government officials and international experts. MAC efforts are also continuing or beginning in the Solomon Islands and Tonga. 
Work Underway in 21 Villages to Prepare North Bali, Indonesia, for MAC Certification
MAC and its non-government organization (NGO) partners are working in 21 villages to develop collection area management plans (CAMPs) in two sub-districts in north Bali, Indonesia. Resort owners who were previously opposed to the ongoing collection of fish for the aquarium trade near their resorts now also want to play an active role in CAMP
development by supporting the establishment of resource management plans. Several exporters and importers visited the fishermen working in these areas and expressed interest in buying fish from them when the fisheries can verify that they are responsible and well managed.  Post-harvest training will be conducted with support from the exporters, starting in mid February. MAC’s NGO partners are facilitating the establishment of two fishermen’s associations in the area. These two
groups of fishermen are interested in adopting the MAC Standards and working with MAC and its NGO partners to achieve certification.  
MAC Philippines to Prepare Multiple Areas and Collectors Groups for Certification in 2004 and Beyond with USAID Support
MAC’s efforts to build the capacity of collectors and their communities in the Philippines to prepare for MAC Certification received a major boost with the recent awarding of a three-year grant from the Global Development Alliance program of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Key outputs will be an increase in not only supply of MAC Certified marine ornamentals but also coral reef areas under management and zoned for conservation. To get the project underway, the MAC Philippines office convened a workshop in late 2003 in Manila to review and plan MAC’s efforts. Reef Check, which assists in the resource and fishery assessment and monitoring of collection sites, participated in the discussions. A work plan for 2004 and an overall implementation plan for MAC activities in the Philippines were developed. To further meet the objectives of the USAID-supported program, MAC hired Vince Adajar to fill the critical position of MAC Supply Development Manager (SDM) in an acting capacity. A veteran field operations practitioner,
Vince has more than 12 years experience in community-based coastal resource management. His primary responsibilities are to identify, select and develop new sources of MAC Certified marine ornamentals. 
Hawaii Collectors Commit to Becoming MAC Certified
In November and December 2003, MAC and the marine ornamentals collectors and wholesalers in Kailua-Kona held discussions on the island of Hawaii.  Mark Schreffler of The Reef Shop (MAC Certified retailer) attended one of the sessions and gave a presentation on his experience in preparing for MAC Certification. Interest in becoming MAC Certified has grown strongly in 2003 among the collectors and wholesalers, and a number of them have submitted Statements of Commitment signaling their intent to pursue MAC Certification. 
New Certification Update Service for MAC Certified Companies to Be Launched in March 2004
A new quarterly newsletter will be launched in March 2004 for those that are MAC Certified (i.e., certified companies, collectors groups and those responsible for the EFM certification, such as Collection Area Management Plan committees) and for MAC Accredited certifiers. The MAC Certification Update will communicate adjustments and interpretations to
the MAC Standards, feature requirements of certification and explain them in detail, and post projected increases in the supply of MAC Certified organisms and industry participants to facilitate the effective implementation of MAC Certification across the chain of custody. There will also be a Q&A section. Those who are MAC Certified are encouraged to email suggestions for the first issue to update@aquariumcouncil.org <mailto:update@aquariumcouncil.org>
MAC Public Awareness Campaign Successful Around the Globe 
What do the US television program The Ellen Degeneres Show, the international travel magazine Condé Nast, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the US Embassy in Tokyo have in common? They were among the many outlets that raised public awareness about MAC as the Disney-Pixar film Finding Nemo opened in theatres worldwide and was
released on DVD. The MAC public awareness campaign’s success was due in part to MAC partnerships with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and its World Conservation Monitoring Centre as well as with the young actor Alexander Gould (the voice of Nemo). Alexander has been promoting MAC during media interviews since he and his family became aware of MAC at the Hollywood premiere of the film in May 2003. MAC press releases were customized and translated for Dutch, French and German audiences as the film opened in Europe. During November, Alexander continued his support of MAC by narrating a public service announcement (PSA) that promotes MAC Certification. Director Dirk Hagen volunteered his services during the videotaping of the PSA in Honolulu. 
More MAC Outreach and Education
MAC Director of Americas and the Pacific David Vosseler staffed the MAC exhibit booth at the 37th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show, Oct. 10-12, 2003, in Chicago, Illinois (USA). Thirty-five retailers signed up for the MAC News. Most of them expressed interest in becoming MAC Certified.  
MAC Certification Systems Director Peter Scott, MAC Board Members John Dawes and Lolita Ty and MAC European Liaison Director Svein Fossa attended Aquarama 2003, in Singapore, Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2003.Peter responded to significant interest in MAC from many of the visitors to the show and conference, which featured 199 display booths from 23 countries.
MAC Director of Americas and the Pacific David Vosseler gave a presentation on MAC followed by a question and answer period at a joint Cleveland Aquarium Society (CSA) and Cleveland Society of Enthusiastic Aquarists (C-SEA) meeting on Nov. 14, 2003.  About 50 members were in attendance.
MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus was an invited participant at the China Recreational Fisheries and Aquarium Congress, Nov. 19-23, 2003, in Shenzhen, China. Paul gave a presentation entitled “Progress in Implementing MAC Certification for the Global Marine Aquarium Trade.”  Representatives of China’s marine aquarium industry responded with substantial interest in the MAC Standards and Certification. 
The organization Support to Regional Aquatic Resources Management (STREAM) held a weeklong Workshop on Livelihoods Approaches and Analysis, Nov. 24-28, 2003, in Iloilo City, Philippines. MAC Philippines Program Officer Isabelle Cruz and MAC Community Organizer Monica Piquero attended the workshop, at the invitation of STREAM Director Graham Haylor. Organized by the Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the workshop is an activity within a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)–funded Technical Cooperation Program (TCP).   
Upcoming Events:
March 2-4: Marine Ornamentals 2004 (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) with plenary presentations by MAC Board Members Marshall Meyers and John Brandt and MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus; informal review of first draft working paper of the MAC Standard for the aquaculture of marine ornamentals; session on MAC Certification; and MAC exhibit booth.
http://www.hawaiiaquaculture.org/marineornamentals04.html
March 17-19: America Pet Product Manufacturer’s Association 46th Annual Pet Products Trade Show (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) with MAC Americas and the Pacific Director David Vosseler at the MAC exhibit booth. http://www.appma.org/trade_show/trade_show_overview.asp
April 16-18, 2004: 16th Annual Pet Industry Spring Trade Show (Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA) with presentation on MAC Certification by MAC Americas and the Pacific Director David Vosseler and MAC Certified retailer Patrick Donston and the MAC exhibit booth.  
http://www.hhbacker.com/ 
May 13-16: InterZoo 2004 (Nurnberg, Germany) 
http://www.wwpsa.com/i4a/calendar/details.cfm?id=147
June 4-6:Second International Marine Aquarium Conference (Chicago, Illinois, USA) 
http://www.theimac.org/
July 18-22: National Marine Educators Association 2004 Conference (St. Petersburg, Florida, USA)
http://www.floridamarine.org/education/category_main.asp?id=2088
Sept. 9-12: China International Recreation Fisheries and Aquaria 2004 Conference (Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Center, Beijing, China) Email: 
csfish@agri.gov.cn <mailto:csfish@agri.gov.cn>
Sept. 10-12: Marine Aquarium Conference of North America XVI (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) http://www.macnaboston.com/
Sept. 22-23: SuperZoo (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) 
http://www.wwpsacom/i4a/forms/form.cfm?id=41
http://www.wwpsa.com/i4a/forms/form.cfm?id=41>
Oct. 8-10: Backer’s 37th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference (Chicago, Illinois, USA) 
http://www.hhbacker.com/
Dec. 5-10: Sixth International Aquarium Congress (Monterey, California, USA) 
http://ww.iac2004.org/
MAC in Publications and the News 
Wood, Elizabeth and Nick Dakin. 2003. The Responsible Marine Aquarist. 
Ross-on-Rye, UK: Marine Conservation Society. 
http://www.mcsuk.org/
“Coral Reef Conservation in the Indo-Pacific,” by Sylvia Spalding et al. Dream Marine. pp 20-21. In Tropical Fish Hobbyist. December 2003.
“Dutch Company is First in Europe to Receive MAC Certification.” PETS International Magazine. December 2003. p 7.
“Media Review: From Ocean to Aquarium,” by Doug Robbins. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. December 2003.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/
“Segrest Farms, Retailers Earn MAC Status.” Pet Product News. December 2003. p 7.
“Stunning Nemo,” by Byron Wertz. Vice, vol. 10, no. 11. 
http://www.viceland.com/
“To Conserve and Protect,” by Jennifer Martin. PET AGE. December 2003. pp 16, 18-20.
“United Nations Sees Sustainable Marine Harvesting,” by Maryann Mott.  Pet Product News. December 2003. p 12.
“Zertifikate für einen zuverlässigen, ethisch vertretbaren Handel mit Tieren für das Meerwasseraquarium,” by Paul Holthus and Svein A. Fosså. BNA-aktuell. 2003 (2 and 3). pp 17-21. [In German]
“Palawan bolsters campaign versus cyanide fishing.” Inquirer News Service (Manila Time). Dec. 15, 2003. http://www.inq7.net/
“How Much Is That Fishy in the Window?: How the Aquarium Trade Affects Coral Reefs,” by Amy Gulick. Dive Training. November 2003. pp 93-97.
“Le monde de Nemo.” Aquarium Magazine. November 2003. p 4. [In French]
“Nemo for Real,” by Manuela Hoelterhoff. Condé Nast. November 2003. p148.
“Le Monde de Nemo Se Meurt.” La Figaro. Nov. 27, 2003.
http://actu.dna.fr/031127075744.4hjzn10q.html [In French]
“TV 5.org.” Nov. 27, 2003.
http://www.tv5.org/TV5Site/info/afp_article.php?rub=sci&idArticle=031127075744.4hjzn10q.xml
http://www.tv5.org/TV5Site/info/afp_article.php?rub=sci&idArticle=031127075744.4hjzn10q.xml>  [In French]
“Is Your Aquarium Fish Cyanide-Caught?” by Terrie B. Fucanan. The Sunday Times. Nov. 23, 2003. http://www.manilatimes.net/
The Ellen Degeneres Show. Nov. 7, 2003.
Boot Portal (Boot.com)
http://www4.boot.de/cipp/md_boot/custom/pub/content,lang,2/ticket,g_u_e_s_t/oid,7780
“Film Fans Warned Don’t Flush the Fish’ with UK Launch of Finding Nemo.” Talking Pix. http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/ReviewsFindingNemo.htm
“From Ocean to Aquaria: The Trade in Marine Ornamentals Worldwide,” by Colette Wabnitz. OFI Journal. October 2003. pp 26-32.
“More Industry Members Join the Global Effort for a Sustainable Trade,” by Paul Holthus. OFI Journal. October 2003. pp 10-13.
“Too Many Aquarius in the Houses.”
http://digilander.libero.it/gruppoambiente/acquari.htm [translated from Italian by Google]
“Trade in Aquarium Fish Becoming Sustainable Industry.” US Embassy, Tokyo, Japan. http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwh20031003a9.html
“UN Urges Balance Between Economy and Conservation in Tropical Fish Trade.” UN News Centre.
“Wise Practices Help Save Jakarta Bay.” WiCoP Forum.
http://www.csiwisepractices.org/ [Adapted from an article by Kalinga Seneviratne in CyberDyaryo. July 25, 2003.]
“Keeping Nemo Not Child’s Play.” Middlesbrough Evening Gazette (UK).  Oct. 20, 2003.
BBC Newsround. Oct. 16, 2003.
“Nemo Makes Aquarium Hobby the Hot Ticket.” Yahoo! Finance. Oct. 13, 2003. 
http://biz.yahoo.com/
BBC Radio. Oct. 10, 2003.
UN Radio. Oct. 7, 2003.
http://wwwun.org/av/radio/news/2003/oct/03100700.htm
http://www.un.org/av/radio/news/2003/oct/03100700.htm
“Losing Nemo,” by Tan Cheng Li. The Star (Malaysia). Oct. 6, 2003.
http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2003/10/7/features/6408315&sec=features
http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2003/10/7/features/6408315&sec=features
“Scientists Turn Spotlight on Threats and Opportunities of Booming …“Earthvision. Oct. 3, 2003.
“Threats and Opportunities in the Booming Marine Aquaria Trade.” People & the Planet. Oct. 3, 2003.
http://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=2057
“Don’t ‘Flush’ is the Warning as Nemo Goes Worldwide.” Henderson Gleaner (Kentucky, USA). Oct. 1, 2003.
“’Finding Nemo’ Around the U-Bend.” Zap2it.com. Oct. 1, 2003. 
“Fish Hobbyists Warned Not to Flush Pets,” by Joseph B. Verrengia. Yahoo News, Oct. 1, 2003. [Also in Grand Forks Herald (ND); Belleville News-Democrat (IL); Times Picayune (LA); Centre Daily Times (PA); ABC News; CTV (Canada).]
Fish Update.com. Oct. 1, 2003. 
“Flushing Nemo.” Empire Online. Oct. 1, 2003.
“Flushing Nemo.” Practical Fishing Keeping. Oct. 1, 2003.
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=95
“Flushing Nemo.” Straits Times (Singapore). Oct. 1, 2003.
“Grabbing the Headlines.” Salt Lake Tribune (UT). Oct. 1, 2003.
'Nemo' Prompts Worldwide Fish-Flushing.” NBC Sandiego.com (CA). Oct. 1, 2003. [Also in WISC, WI; WBAL Channel.com, MD; NBC 11.com, CA; NBC4.TV, CA; CBC News, Canada; NBC 17.com, NC; ClickonSA.com, TX; Milwaukee Channel.com, WI; INDYchannel.com, IN; KMGH, CO; Hawaii Channel.com, HI; NewsNet5.com, OH; Local6.com, FL]
“Ikke Trekk ned Gullfisken,” by Jan Thoresen. Oct. 1, 2003.
http://www.dagbladet.no/kunnskap/2003/10/01/379856.html
“Scientists Turn Spotlight on Threats and Opportunities of Booming …“ Environmental News Network (CA). Oct 1, 2003.
“Tropical Fish Trade Threatens Coral Reefs.” PFP SeaSpan. October 2003.
http://www.pewmarine.org/
“Tropical Fish Trade Under Spotlight as Sales Boom.” Oct. 1, 2003.
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/22421/story.htm
“Tropical Fish Trade Under Spotlight as Sales Boom” Environmental News Network. Oct 1, 2003. http://www.enn.com/news/2003-10-01/s_8977.asp
“Troppi Acquari Tropicali: In Pericolo l'Ecosistema.” Corriere della Sera. Oct. 1, 2003.
http://www.corriere.it/Primo_Piano/Cronache/2003/10_Ottobre/01/acquari.shtml [In Italian]
“20 Million Tropical Fish Harvested Annually,” by John von Radowitz. Press Association. Oct. 1, 2003.
“Losing Nemo: Hunt for Tropical Fish Is Hurting Habitat.” USA Today. Sept. 30, 2003

An oldie but an important point, We do affect our environment!
Here is a link to a news story found today on Yahoo (via Reuters) about the
pet fish industry. The link and the story are below, plus I added other
related links. Whether you agree with the information, numbers, or who is
behind the study, is nebulous. The point being made is important and should
promote thought and action. We do impact the environment around us! Go
figure!
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030930/sc_nm/environment
_fish_dc_2
PARIS (Reuters) - The capture and trade in more than 20 million tropical
fish for aquariums each year earns cash for poor fishing communities but too
often sends the fish to their deaths, a U.N. report said Tuesday.
The trade in aquarium creatures is worth up to $330 million a year, the U.N.
Environment Program's World Conservation Monitoring Center's report "From
Ocean to Aquarium" said.
"Some fish are completely unsuitable to aquariums," said Ed Green, one of
the report's authors, adding mishandling of the rare fish often started very
early in the supply chain.
"Some fish are just treated as disposable commodities, exposed to the
sunlight for hours after being caught and stored in plastic bags on their
long journey from Southeast Asian reefs to aquariums in North America and
Europe," he told Reuters.
He said there was no indication that the aquarium trade was threatening any
species with extinction, although some harvesting methods, like stunning the
fish with a near-lethal dose of sodium cyanide, could harm both fish and
coral reefs.
About 50,000 people in Sri Lanka are directly involved in the export of
marine life, a business which also provides a strong incentive to preserve
fish stocks and reef environments.
The report recommends the wider application of certification schemes by the
Marine Aquarium Council (MAC), an international not-for-profit organization.
Green said parents buying fish for their children should also pay more
attention to their origin.
The sale of clown fish shot up this year because of the movie "Finding
Nemo," a computer-animated tale of a clown fish who ends up in a dentist's
aquarium.
"Nemo has created interest but also led to problems," said Green, adding
many children had flushed fish down the toilet in an effort to send them
back to the sea and parents had placed clown fish in fresh water boxes.
Other references:
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?ArticleID=4259&Docume
ntID=332&l=en
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/05/0530_030530_nemo1.html
http://www.tracc.00server.com/Fisheries/cyanide/cyanide_index.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3151384.stm
Peace to all,
Paul Mansur
<Thanks for this Paul. Mary.M sent a bunch along re this... will post your input along with hers. Bob F>

Link to the full UN report
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 14:50:39 -0700
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?ArticleID=4259&DocumentID=332&l=en
<Thanks Mary. Bob Fenner>

RE: Important News for the Aquarium Trade
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 14:16:54 -0700
Bob,
I didn't think the ad was too bad...actually better than most I have read.
Did you take the article to read very negatively?
Eric (Cohen, SDC)
<Mmm, more "middling"... it could be taken/used either way. I really don't like the continuing misreporting by Edmund Green re the amount of live coral used in the trade (12 million pieces annually?) that comes directly from the studies done putting together the "World Trade in Coral" by the WCMC... and I do heartily wish these same folks would say "something positive" re the good the trade does, the huge efforts at captive propagation... 
Anyhow, my thoughts/feelings, Bob Fenner>

Re: Important News for the Aquarium Trade
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 14:15:15 -0700
MAC threatened that we better support them so they could fight the USCRTF on our behalf. Now that that threat has significantly subsided, they need something new to garner support. By "scaring" industry types into "join MAC or watch the world close down your industry", MAC is playing with fire. Don't believe me? Here it is straight from John Brandt- MAC's mouthpiece:
"Importantly, this news report is now presented to mass media worldwide. The trade may need to answer some serious questions asked by serious and powerful environmental interests. Having MAC as a legitimate and tangible alternative to 'business as usual' is an great asset when the heat gets turned up politically on these issues."
Mary Middlebrook
<I really resent the tactics expressed by MAC in broad terms... and do NOT see them as allies in the least sense... Whoever pays these people will gain their allegiance... the trade will see. Bob Fenner>

MAC
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2003 10:12:08 -0700 (PDT)
Hey, Bobster...
I have resisted a proper (?) education on MAC
issues long enough. The legends and truths that I
have heard have become sufficiently blurred that I'd
like to look deeper into the matter for a better
understanding. I have an inherent distrust of the
machine, but would like to be able to enunciate my
concerns to others with something more than a belief
that they are self-serving windbags that have wasted a
staggering amount of money.
<Well-stated... a good idea to periodically review ones belief-bases... and be able to intelligently, confidently state ones position re issues that are important...>
Do you have any tidbits that you could point me
towards for enlightenment? Saved files/data/e-mails?
Names of folks to run down in a keyword search? The
name of the benefactor (Packard-bell?).
<Mmm, how to put this. Anthony, I don't want to (mal)influence you (in any way)... I fear/suspect that my misdealings with Paul Holthus might do just this... Perhaps ask Paul Vossler for MAC's current "agenda" materials... try to make sense out of them... Maybe a historical snipe by me is semi-timely... Originally (MAC's opus has indeed evolved over the years) MAC had no, make that an anti-culture stance... Paul once told me that MAC had no stmt's re cultured marines because they didn't think they were "important" (quotation marks mine)... More likely they couldn't "tax" them... and recently the issues of assessment (what's there, replacement rates) have "come up" in their awareness (by other peoples' doing)... How are you going to know how much of what you can take/extract w/o such information? Anyhow, I sense you can anticipate my bias, suspicion... These folks stated ideals are indeed worthy (they're the same as you, mine, WWM's...), but their actual practices? They are skunks IMO... but it is only reasonable that you first come up with facts, THEN opinions, AND THEN commentary and advice re MAC (or any subject) on your own... I wish you well. Bob>
Thanks :)

Artificial corals & fish
Guys,
I am looking for leads to some ethical importers of marine fish for a friend. Fe Baskin is the widow of Dave Baskin who was the creator of the ASI ReeForms corals ten years ago. They had set up a collection station in the Philippines and were just starting to ship fish and inverts when he died of stomach cancer early this year. Her family operation is currently shipping limited numbers to Holland but would like to start exporting to the USA. Originally they were collecting for custom exhibits. Of course it is all net collected and they are working with Ferdinand Cruz who has been working with the net collection training and has spoken at Marine Ornamentals on the Philippine situation. Her description of their operation is below. Any help would be appreciated.
Regards,
Tom
<Tom I will circulate amongst friends, associates in the trade I consider of excellent practices in hopes they can/will contact you. Bob Fenner>
From: Fe Baskin
Hi! Tom,
Thanks for the reply I was so upset and busy it takes me few days to recover. Any way we are using MAC guideline even if its ridiculous How can you ever trace a single damsel fish? But I have no choice so I will work with them its all lip service anyway. More of WWF propaganda.
Our weekly output will be 40-50 boxes a week but We will have stock in the field instead for the next shipment. I am shipping to Holland . Our client provide list of fish beforehand so we give the list to our collectors and we don't end up collecting fish that are not needed. That's the advantage of the field operation its a pain in the neck because we end up taking care of the fisherman but the control that you can get is worth it. We will have the stock of fish ready for shipment but the same amount will be in the cages ready to be shipped when we give them the signal. Also the Island where we operate we can collect all year round and the variety is there. No fancy blue face (seldom seen and fisherman usually said they are big). The supply will come all over the Island but mainly in Mindoro Island where our operation will be located. So much invertebrates are available if there is a demand the buyer can tell me. Our buyer in Holland he is a nice guy like you! Have technology in the shipping and he come to the Philippines every 3 months he adopted a 28 year old Filipina.
Paperwork are being process I will name the company DNB AQUATICS . What do you think? Our supervised collecting station in Mindoro Island we have cages in the ocean .Fish are not feed in the cages they stay there 3-5 days depending on the size. Another few days in the facility before shipping, we use individual small container per fish to avoid fin damage. Ferdinand will supply from Palawan, Bicol and Bolinao . We shipped fish in bags from the field less stress to the fish. We had a lot of hands on experience because we did it ourselves so many times. In the packing for shipment I got the best but they are part time in the beginning so I don't have a lot of overhead.
I really appreciate your help I know you are busy . Thank you and regard to Terri , Lisa (hug her for me she is special) and kisses to the new born I can't wait to meet them. Bye! for now and Take care

Ty-Rubec Incentives to Collectors
Lolita,
I am not sure I follow your math. Can you provide me with prices paid to collectors (recommended by PFTEA) by year from 1999 to the present (earlier years are also welcome)? Please list the recommended prices for some key species (assuming the price paid to collectors varies somewhat between exporters). Then, provide me with a list of export prices for these species from 1999 to 2001.  How is it that export prices have not gone up, but you pay the collectors more? I don't understand. If you can explain these things, I am willing to listen.
I also would be interested in knowing what percentage of the recommended PFTEA prices get down to the collectors, when there are middlemen. I accept the fact that the middlemen have costs (like shipping etc).
Basically, I need to know more about the pricing structure. I am also willing to listen to how I may have been "duped".  Since, I am not in the fish business (and don't intend to) I will treat the information provided as being confidential intended to inform me rather than hurt you or the PFTEA.
Peter Rubec

Email Accusing MAC
Peter,
        I have finally read the resignation letter of Ferdinand Cruz,
which was in reefs.org, along with all your postings there.  I am not aware
of that site because I don't surf around looking for those, since I have
many other betters thing do.  I would prefer that all issues concerning me
should be addressed/sent directly to me, rather than through a supposedly
"open" forum where I am not even aware that I was being falsely accused of
so many things. That is absolutely unfair and treacherous.
        We don't know where you get your false information, in this
regard, I would like to first extend my deepest condolence to you for being
taken for a spin by our detractors.
     First, the 10% add-on (and sometimes even more) has been and is
still a standard practice among all PTFEA members even before MAC. (and
everyone follows this to ensure supply).
        Do you honestly think that we should "pass on some of the exchange
rate to collectors", so how about asking the importers to pass on some of
their profit to us? We sell blue damsel for $0.15-0.20 while the stores in
U.S. are selling it for $5.00? How about this--our price list has not
change in more than ten (10) years. But the buying price of blue damsel
went from P0.30 to P4.00++ now. Why? Because the exchange rate has enable
us to maintain our "antique" prices.
   You mention collectors in Palauig, Busuanga, Coron and Bagac-who
are this people? I don't know anyone of them; I don't have suppliers from
those areas. So how come your friend Ferdinand Cruz is accusing me of not
paying enough? How can that happen if we have no dealings with them? You
say "exporters lining up against me?" Please see attach "letter of support"
from all (100%) PTFEA members.
        Again, I have no dealing with suppliers from Palauig, so how can
the Provincial Fisheries Officer in Palauig be against me? On what ground?
It is obvious that Marivi Laurel and her cohorts are making a fool of
people like you, who are so eager to sympathize with them without
investigating the fact.
        Why are they using the internet to engage in back-stabbing me?
Because they are afraid for me to prove them wrong! What kind of people
engage in such dirty tricks? Only coward and traitors I guess.
        I have helped the LTF industry for 30 years without asking for any
credit for my contributions. I've never charged PTFEA for my expenses, not
even a single pen or paper. I have sacrificed time, effort and money in
service of PTFEA and to help the LTF industry€™s survival to protect it
against all attackers.  Among the exporters, I can say that I am the one
who has helped our industry the most but I am now being singled out by you
and your cohorts€¦how ironic!
Lolita

PTFEA STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR LOLITA TY
We, the members of Philippine Tropical Fish Exporters Association (PTFEA),
hereby affix our signature to confirm that we protest and strongly condemn
the false accusations against our organization PTFEA and our president
Lolita Ty, which were made by Peter Rubec and Josef Steiger, in
collaboration with Ferdinand Cruz and Marivi Laurel.
We also confirm our full support to our president, Lolita Ty, in her fight
against rumor makers, fault finders, irresponsible, disrespectful people.
We recommend to MAC that they take disciplinary actions against them in
fairness to PTFEA and Lolita Ty
Signed by all the PTFEA members on the 4th of February, 2003.

Re: Email Accusing MAC
Lolita, The main point we need to discuss is why you refuse to pay the net-collectors 10% more for net-caught fish. Read the bulletin board on reefs.org. I have already accused you of this. What is your reply? What (if anything) do you intend to do about it? Tell, Paul that when you are willing to do something (like passing on some of the exchange rate to the collectors) we might listen. We in this case means the collectors in Palauig, Busuanga, Coron, and Bagac. It means Ferdinand Cruz and the exporters lining up against you. It also means the Provincial Fisheries Officer in Palauig and doubtless other government officials that intend to strictly enforce federal and municipal laws.
Peter Rubec, Ph.D.

Exporter Pricing to Collectors (3/10/03)
Peter,

<<RUBEC>>  "How about this--our price list has not change in more than 10
years."  Does this refer to your company's export prices? Or does it refer
to the PFTEA recommended prices paid to collectors?
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 1) My company's EXPORT price list has NOT changed in more
than 10 years.  I don't know about other exporters. Even as PTFEA
president, I have NO right to interfere with any member's business.

<<RUBEC>> My concern is that the pricing paid to collectors has not changed
in 10 years (personal communication from Ferdinand Cruz). You seem to
state that you have increased what you pay to collectors  (QUOTING LOLITA
STATEMENT: "Do you honestly think that we should "pass on some of the
exchange rate to collectors", so how about asking the importers to pass on
some of their profit to us? We sell blue damsel for $0.15-0.20 while the
stores in U.S. are selling it for $5.00? How about this--our price list has
not change in more than ten (10) years. But the buying price of blue damsel
went from P0.30 to P4.00++ now. Why? Because the exchange rate has enable
us to maintain our "antique" prices.").
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 2) As I have cited: buying price of blue damsel went from
P0.30 to P4.00++ now.  This is true for all.  F.C. gave you another wrong
info, or he is lying again, making a fool of you because he knows you are
ready to side with them.

<<RUBEC>>  My concern is not what your company does (it has one of the best
reputations). My concern is what the other members of the PFTEA are doing.
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 3) Thank you for acknowledging that MY COMPANY "HAS ONE OF
THE BEST REPUTATIONS." I invested personal sacrifices, time, efforts,
sincerity, honesty etc. to achieve this, because I believe that legacy is
the most important thing you can leave your family, not money.

<<RUBEC>> There needs to be an economic incentive paid for net-caught fish
over cyanide-caught fish.  Please explain what they pay for a)
cyanide-caught fish,
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 4-a) We pay NOTHING for cyanide-caught fish, because
that's what it is worth - nothing!  In other words, we DO NOT accept
them.  That's why we only deal with our trusted suppliers.  That's why my
volume has suffered.  That's why my variety has suffered.  It is a given
fact that more fish and variety can be caught by using cyanide, but I tell
my suppliers I won't accept any kind of fish that I suspect has been caught
with cyanide even if that means my variety and volume will suffer.  The
consequences for my company - we have lost several clients to other
exporters who can produce more volume and variety. (But I don't imply or
even suggest that they are buying cyanided fish).

<<RUBEC>> b) net-caught fish (first two are from collectors not associated
with the MAC)
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 4-b) Net caught fish - YES, we pay additional 10%,
sometimes plus trucking/transportation depending on supply situation like
shortage due to bad weather.

<<RUBEC>> and c) net-caught fish from MAC Certified Collection sites.
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 4-c)  MAC certified net caught fish - YES, we pay
additional 10% on top of their already higher selling price, PLUS 25% of
air freight as agreed.

<<RUBEC>> Basically, I want the PFTEA to announce a policy of paying more
for net-caught fish than for cyanide-caught fish.  If this already is being
done, then please announce this in a clearly worded press release. Please
explain how you know whether fish are net-caught (without a CDT test or MAC
Certification).
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 5) PTFEA cannot and will not announce "a policy of paying
more for net-caught fish than for cyanide caught fish." Why? Because we DO
NOT allow suppliers to collect fish with cyanide.  That's why PTFEA
commissioned a local manufacturer to produce monofilament nets and
distribute them to our suppliers FREE OF CHARGE
INDEFINITELY.  Unfortunately, there is no acceptable CDT test available yet
for LTF.  The only way is through experience, observation, and trust
between us and our suppliers.

<<RUBEC>> Also, I would like to know whether anything can be done about the
complaint (voiced in Ferdinand's letter), that the screeners in some MAC
Certified export facilities insist on bribes to be paid by net-collectors
or they screen out high-priced fishes (which they then claim die in the
facility). Hence, they claim that they are being cheated.
<<LOLITA REPLY>> 6) Again, I have no control over other members'
business.  In my company, bribery is illegal.  We will prosecute both the
supplier and screener if found violating our company policy - not allowing
bribery, in any form, not even food or other non-monetary benefits. We
have posters in our screening area warning them not to do this.  I believe
this is not an advantage for any company.  Can you please be more specific
as to WHO this 'MAC certified export facilities insist on bribes to be paid
by net collectors€¦."

The fact is all our suppliers PULL OUT whatever rejects they got from us to
sell to local pet shop or whatever.  So we have no advantage at all
rejecting more fish.  We need fish, more fish to export!

You are welcome to visit the PTFEA web site and write to our members
DIRECTLY for any issues you need to clarify about them, rather than listen
to irresponsible people who wants to expand their business at the expense
of others by spreading rumors and false statements.

Finally, I am just an ordinary person, a nobody. I have no PhD attach to
the end of my name.  All I have is sincerity, humility and truthfulness.  I
am not afraid of hard work.  I do not seek personal glory, all I want is
the advancement of our organization in particular and the improvement of
the LTF industry as a whole.

I think politicking should cease, responsible leadership should prevail,
and sincerity in serving the industry should be paramount if our goal is to
unite and prosper.

Let us instill discipline and maintain harmonious ties with one
another.  Let us not be afraid of hard work, as we do our share in building
an industry that is sustainable for a bright future of generations to come.

Lolita

REPORT to the BOD (Steven.R back in the P.I.)
Hello People,
      I sent out a big report two days ago and found out that it was lost due to system irregularities in the internet cafe that I'm at. Since I'm not in a big hotel like the one MAC sprang for Mike and John Brandt, I have to find an internet service on the street. Tom would be proud.
      The nets, i.e.. clear mesh handnet missing for ages was eagerly devoured by the divers in every area distributed. We will need more.
      The breakaway faction that resigned from MAC left them in a pretty difficult position. A MAC certification movement with no certified fish supply except for the limited and narrow variety offered by the two certified exporters [who are both bitter and angry over this terrible handicap to their businesses] was threatening to tear the whole thing apart.
     Ferdinand Cruz, the former MAC head trainer had had enough as I arrived. We met with the also recently resigned Aquarium Habitat. And then, HD Marineworld. I heard all their reasons for leaving which were frankly, predictable and understandable. No nets, little field support, unreasonable paperwork burden and no variety in the collection areas. HD Marineworld was on the verge of quitting the business all together. She said that since going net caught all the way, she lost most of her customers, got much less variety and had to pay more for poorly handled fish.
        The local MAC director, Lino Alvarez was given the job of meeting with us all and seeing if an accord couldn't be hammered out.
        Ferdinand, Lino, Mike and I have just finished a peace plan and I have it in my hands now, complete with a national training budget and protocols for converting 1,500 cyanide fisherman into netsman w/in a year.   Mike King of CORL just left. It appears that we have done it, with no small contribution I might add from AMDA.
        However, to allow certain parties to save face...I am not to be the one to tell the world. This is an accord between MAC, CORL and with support and review from the Philippines own Bureau of Fisheries. Fine...action and deeds decrease the need for pressure and that's exactly what the deal is all about. The first training will be in the clown triggerfish grounds of Polilio Island, Quezon province where nearly 100 collectors have died in the last 10 years collecting them in deeper and deeper water.
      I am to return in just a month to begin working with the trainers as the first bridge funding is available.
       As I said earlier, I am not at liberty...but everyone else is, so let them release the peace agreement in their own words. This is to be a communities based, fisheries reviewed independent program administered by CORL from which MAC certifications will flow.
        The schedule, the budget, the training grounds , the netting supply and the new covenant with Fisheries, as you may surmise, carries a lot of my input, and at time insistence.
        This is perhaps the most productive and reinvigorating week I have ever had. I'm proud of it and thankful for you guys in giving me the chance to show what can be done if people care enough to hang in there, put their guns aside and work at it..
      Furthermore, it was done with very little money. Plane ticket, net supply and DHL to ship the netting...that's it.
The $18.00 a nite hotel was not billed to AMDA as it might've upset some who thought this "junket" was  ill advised..
                           Steve Robinson
                           AMDA PRESIDENT            
PS. Mike will be home in two days. Check it all out with him. MAC can also respond as they will. We agreed that they can go first.

Revised MAC Standards/Certification    
Date:    2/1/2003 2:37:19 AM Eastern Standard Time    
1.  Exporters must provide an economic incentive to collectors for net-caught fish.  It is proposed that the exporters seeking MAC Certification of their facilities should commit to paying the collectors 10% more for net-caught fish which come from MAC Certified collection sites.
2.  The collection sites certified by the 3rd party certifier must have coral reefs in good to excellent condition and sustainable populations in terms of both the relative abundances of species of concern and species richness as determined by underwater surveys (preferably conducted by qualified biologists using Reef Check MAQTRAC). Other underwater survey techniques may be acceptable provided they are endorsed and conducted by qualified scientists.
3. The existing MAC chain-of-custody requires quite a lot of paper work that identifies the collectors, the collection sites, and the fact that the fish were collected to order etc. The weakness of this system is that once the fish reach the exporter from the field they must be placed in separate tanks or other holding facilities, after being removed from the plastic bags. Cyanide-caught fish must be segregated from net-caught fish in export facilities that deal with both MAC-Certified and non-certified fish. In addition, net-caught fish coming from different locations and different collectors must be segregated.  The latter may be impractical without some means of either marking the fish or maintaining them in the original shipping containers/bags received from collectors.  It is proposed that better means for segregating and shipping fish be evaluated such as breathing bags or hard plastic containers (with holes) be evaluated in terms of cost and utility for the purposes of improving the quality of the fish and maintaining the degree of segregation deemed necessary to support MAC Certification. It is proposed that Net-caught MAC Certified fish should be kept in tanks with filtration systems (e.g., trickle filters) separate from the tanks holding fish that are not MAC-Certified (because of potential contamination resulting from net-caught fish absorbing cyanide excreted into the water by cyanide-caught fish).
4. Rigorous random-stratified sampling of aquarium and food fish and marine invertebrates from both collectors holding facilities (e.g., cages) and exporters should be implemented to support cyanide testing. The sampling should be stratified by  Family rather than by species.  For example, if there are 30 species of damselfish in the Family Pomacentridae only one species of damselfish needs to be sampled monthly.  One fish from each family present in an exporters facility should be randomly sampled monthly. So, if there are 15 families and possibly 200 species, there should be 15 fish sampled for CDT. Some means of selecting the species at random within each family needs to be developed.  Hence, with the family Pomacanthidae (angelfish) there may be 10 species present. Some means needs to be developed to randomly choose which species within each family will be sampled each month both at the villages where collectors reside and at export facilities.  The samplers should be deputized as fish wardens by BFAR.  Exporters and collectors must cooperate and allow sampling without interference. Any individuals who interfere with the samplers should be subject to fines and/or prosecution as mandated under Philippine laws and/or FAO from the appropriate court system or government agencies.
5. Cyanide testing should be conducted by an organization independent of BFAR and independent of the MAC. The organization in the Philippines with the most experience and expertise is the IMA. The testing facilities should be open to inspection by a 3rd party ISO certifier.  The methods for cyanide testing should be those endorsed by either the ASTM, and/or APHA.  They should be those methods accepted by US government and Philippine government agencies (e.g., USEPA, BFAR).
6.  MAC Certification should be linked to cyanide testing. Cyanide test results should be available within  24 hours of submission of the fish (alive or frozen) by the samplers to the testing laboratories.  BFAR should pass a Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) that links cyanide testing to MAC Certification and to the issuance of export permits by BFAR. Hence, MAC Certification would mean that fish being exported were both "net-caught" and "cyanide-free" because they originated from MAC-certified field holding locations and MAC-Certified export facilities, both of which would be subjected to monthly cyanide testing.
7. Exporters must agree in writing to continue to pay higher prices to net-collectors (at least 10% above the presently existing price recommended by PFTEA) and agree to stop buying fish from collectors determined by the cyanide testing to be using cyanide to capture food fish and/or aquarium fish. Exporters who do not keep their promise will be blackballed by the collectors (no net-caught fish will be sold to them).
7.  Fish tested for cyanide should be categorized as Cyanide Present or Cyanide Absent.  Cyanide Present are those cyanide concentrations which exceed the lower limit of detection of the analytical method based on daily calibration tests. For example, if the CDT method for cyanide ion previously used by IMA was adopted (that published in Standard Methods by APHA and ASTM) then the lower limit of detection for a linear relationship with a four point calibration is 0.03 mg/kg.  Hence, fish scored Cyanide Present would be those with concentrations of cyanide ion greater than or equal to 0.03 mg/kg (concentration adjusted for initial weight of fish sample used for testing).  Cyanide Absent under this definition would include fish with levels of cyanide Below Detectable Limits (BDL) or Zero. For the example discussed that means the fish either had cyanide concentrations less than 0.03 mg/kg (BDL) or 0 (Zero) mg/kg.
8. Cyanide detection test (CDT) results from the CDT laboratories should be fully utilized by the Philippines court system. There should not be any fish tested from "Monitoring" (fish samples not intended to support prosecution). All CDT results from fish sampled by Marine Inspection Sampling (MIS) staff deputized as fish wardens and linked with the CDT laboratories or by other law enforcement officials should potentially be available to support prosecution of either collectors or exporters (depending on where they were sampled).  
9.  A three strikes system should be implemented for Philippine export facilities with regard to cyanide testing.  At least 10 fish of different fish families should be sampled monthly. If more than a specified percentage (say 60%) of the fish sampled and tested are found to have cyanide present, the exporter is considered to have failed  that month's sampling.  BFAR or the Philippine courts could enforce a system wherein export facilities that fail are given two warnings. The third time they fail (say in three consecutive months) the export facility loses its export license and would be denied export permits or subjected to prosecution by the court system.
The three strikes rule could be applied to collectors or collectors associations by municipalities through the FARMCs or local court system. Successful conviction would mean seizure of boats and collection equipment, and/or jail sentences.
10.  Experiments should be conducted with various chemicals that can neutralize ammonia, control bacterial proliferation, and possibly sedate fish to reduce stress from handling and shipping. Experiments should be conducted to evaluate the best means of packing fish for transport both from the collection areas to export facilities and from exporters in originating countries to importing countries. Simple cost-effective methods need to be evaluated to determine the best means of shipping fish to reduce mortalities either Dead on Arrival (DOA) or Dead After Arrival (DAA) within a specified period (3-5 days).  Once the best methods are determined, these methods should be publicly available and become part of the recommended MAC Standards/Procedures. The companies in the trade should be willing to share "trade secrets" if it will reduce mortalities.  The MAC should work toward the goal of achieving 1% DAA at each step of the chain of custody. Using present best methods alluded to in the existing Core Standards, the present DAA should be set at 5% for each step of the chain. Depending on the research results, the MAC should commit itself to reducing future % DAA levels to whatever level is achievable with revised shipping practices/acclimation procedures etc.
Sincerely,
Peter Rubec, Ph.D.

MAC, cyanide testing    
Date:    1/10/2003 6:38:03 AM Eastern Standard Time    
  Dear Mr. Sochaczewski, In your article (in the Harold Tribune on February 11, 2003) you stated that the Marine Aquarium Council retorts that "the test in not scientifically proven". You were provided with ample information that the cyanide detection test (CDT) used by the International Marinelife Alliance (IMA) is reliable and is that endorsed and published by major US based organizations including the American Public Health Association (APHA), the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). So how is it that you let this unfounded assertion by the MAC stand without providing the true facts in your article?
Sincerely,
Peter J. Rubec, Ph.D.
International Marinelife Alliance
Dear Peter
I got your name from Josef Steiger in Switzerland.
I'm a journalist and I'm writing about MAC in the Philippines.  I
understand that you have developed a cyanide-detection test that can be
used up to three weeks after the fish has been caught.  Can I ask a few
questions?
Difference between your test and other tests
The test for total CN- (cyanide ion) used by IMA in its CDT laboratories from 1993 to 2001  was that published by the American Public Health Association in a book titled Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater.  It is also endorsed by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the US-EPA in their method books. Other CN- test methods are published in the book Standard Methods (APHA).  The basic difference is that the test for total cyanide ion involves use of a reflux distillation apparatus that allows for dissolving fish tissue in sulfuric acid and addition of other chemicals to remove interfering substances.  Once this is done a variety of methods can be used to measure cyanide ion concentrations.
Ease of use
The APHA/ASTM method is not easy to implement. It should be conducted by qualified chemists in a laboratory equipped with a fume hood, the reflux distillation apparatus, and ion-selective electrodes (ISE) and ISE meter.
The APHA method
I can send you the four Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) manuals that I helped prepare if you wish. Copies were sent to Josef Steiger that you can consult.  There are manuals for a) Sampling, b) Sample Preparation, c) Cyanide Testing, and d) Measuring cyanide concentrations using the ISE electrodes and meter. The third manual basically covers the APHA method.
Cost
The equipment (not including lab and fume hood) is about $5,000 USD.
Already on the market?
The reflux distillation glassware is sold by several companies. The ISE equipment is sold by Thermo-Orion based in Beverly Massachusetts.
Widely used?
Yes, the equipment is widely used in laboratories worldwide.
Your affiliation (university, research center)
I am a research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Marine Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Florida. I am also a Senior Research Scientist (part time) with the International Marinelife Alliance with its international headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
And I'd like your views about MAC, whether you agree with the way things
are going, what the main problems are, suggested solutions.
I have given you my views over the telephone. The MAC has been "Greenwashing" the  marine aquarium trade. See Josef Steiger's letter, the letter of Marivi Laurel. I will send you other materials after you send me proof that you are actually a bona-vide journalist.
I could call you over the weekend.
You can call me at 727-327-9226 if you need further information or have other questions.
I'd be grateful if you could reply to both my emails, above.
I have only received one email that I am aware of.
Sincerely,
Peter J. Rubec, Ph.D.
2800 4th Street North
Suite 123
St. Petersburg, FL 33704, USA
Email: peterrubec@cs.com
Many thanks, best wishes,
Paul

Re: Email Accusing MAC
Date: 2/7/2003 7:41:17 AM Eastern Standard Time
Lolita,
I am not sure I follow your math. Can you provide me with prices paid to collectors (recommended by PFTEA) by year from 1999 to the present (earlier years are also welcome)? Please list the recommended prices for some key species (assuming the price paid to collectors varies somewhat between exporters). Then, provide me with a list of export prices for these species from 1999 to 2001.  How is it that export prices have not gone up, but you pay the collectors more? I don't understand. If you can explain these things, I am willing to listen.
I also would be interested in knowing what percentage of the recommended PFTEA prices get down to the collectors, when there are middlemen. I accept the fact that the middlemen have costs (like shipping etc).
Basically, I need to know more about the pricing structure. I am also willing to listen to how I may have been "duped".  Since, I am not in the fish business (and don't intend to) I will treat the information provided as being confidential intended to inform me rather than hurt you or the PFTEA.
Peter Rubec

Re: Ty-Rubec Incentives to Collectors
Lolita:
I don't know you personally, but your statement " I am not aware of that site because I don't surf around looking for those, since I have many other betters thing do." says a lot.  Reefs.org is the largest and most influential website in the aquarium hobby and has been for nearly ten years... and hosts the premiere and only peer-reviewed aquarium magazine, Advanced Aquarist that is the most respected, read, and cited source of aquarium related issues in the world.  They also host live chats with some of the most important voices in the
trade and hobby and have for years. Several of the people on this email list, myself  included, participate and are contributors to that site. If you are not familiar with reefs.org, and are at all  involved in making your living from the collection and sale of marine ornamentals, then knowing this site and the market to which your livelihood depends, I would think, would be a rather high priority. The US aquarium hobby is without question an Internet-based group. I think Paul has recently realized this, as well. The forums there are open, and several forums are specifically for issues such as these.  If anyone wants to "educate" or inform the hobby for which they work,  are concerned, to  garner their support or, alternately, create anti-support, these large sites are the place to do so, not private emails with a header list of a dozen or so people.
Best,
Eric Borneman
Department of Biology and Biochemistry
Program in Ecology and Evolution
University of Houston
Science and Research Building II
Houston, TX 77252
713-743-2667
email: eborneman@uh.edu

Question on pricing in this article
Date: 2/14/2003 12:41:31 AM Eastern Standard Time
Dr. Rubec,
I'm trying to understand the assertion made in the following article:
http://www.iht.com/articles/86238.html regarding an increase in
income of three times...
Do you have any idea how this number was arrived at?
Thanks and best regards.
Mike Kirda

Steven.R, looking for that training job
Hello Lino,
              People can make a change, make history and make money at the same time...and a new deal and way of looking at this thing may give us the way out.
      
                If the current impasse between the PTFEA, MAC and CORL is so difficult, lets pass on it. Lets just make it a fair and independent training program run thru the offices of BFARs very own, director Sarmiento.
               This way, the independent exporters, the PTFEA and the fisherman all benefit and gain from it. Not just a reformers training or a PTFEA assn training, but a training for the good of the country first, and the business people second. After all, the fish trade doesn't own the country and is a distinct minority in the fishery sector. The trouble it causes is way out of proportion to the "benefit" it creates. Allowing the success of reform efforts to rest upon whether or not the business people will accept it gives them too much say so over an issue bigger than them; the welfare of the coral reefs , the village fisherman and the countries need for food supply.
                 Furthermore, allowing the success of reform efforts to rest upon whether or not the NGO's  can get their act together is equally dangerous. The past 20 years has seen them come and go and the millions of dollars raised and spent based on this issue has not yielded significant results. The exclusion of the initial formulas for success that I managed in the early days were not duplicated. The various netting supplies were not secured and the fisherman were not made the centerpiece of the program.
                We at CORL propose to yield to the authority of BFAR and train cyanide fisherman to commercial standards without the predictable backsliding that results from inadequate training.
                We propose that the maximum authority of the project will in fact be Director Sarmiento.
                The BFAR municipal office will host the trainings and support and assist in their implementation, negating the need for so many outsiders 'invading' the village to train. The logical utilization of existing, local fishery people already on salary allows the program to be run much cheaper than it has been in the past and without so big an infrastructure and mass of employees.
                 The training team, contracted by BFAR to do this will consist of a head field director, an assistant field director, a program administrator and 3-4 assistant trainers.
                   A budget will follow.
                                                             Sincerely, Steve

Dear BOD,
           Between running my own marinelife business and trying to negotiate accords on the increasingly contentious Philippine reform impasse, I've not had much free time to get back to you or even cause trouble on reefs.org. The issue has come to a potentially historic  crossroads perhaps, and no small thanks for that is do to us here at AMDA.
            Please regard the rough draft of a proposal that encompasses all sides and offers a way out of the eternal problem. It is one that the Philippine Director of Fisheries point man in MAC, and I came up with last nite in a $75. phone call.
            Terms: PTFEA   [Phil. trop. fish exporters assn.]
                        Director Sarmiento of BFAR,  [Chief of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources  ...he was my old boss when I worked in the Philippines w/ him and the new MAC Philippine field director, Lino Alvarez
      
            Read the letter [confidential] and let me know what you think. This lets MAC off the hook for the training and they can then focus on their original mandate...certification. And with this BFAR training in place, there will actually be net caught fish to certify instead of faking it or just certifying facilities....i.e. facilities carrying cyanide fish. Only training can give us the net caught blue tangs and clown triggers to diffuse the flash points on the issue. Without the classic fishes, no net caught business can survive...AND THAT'S WHY, there has been so much heat on this thing...make sense now?
            Anyway...its Monday nite , right?
                                                                         Steve

Hello people,
             There has been a terrible error in the promulgation of strategy for several years that was agreed in private last nite by significant parties to the Philippine reform issue.
              It was "assumed" that the market had to be educated and prepared for the acceptance of higher priced net caught fishes that would be produced by a program that would charge dealers to the certify that all had been done correctly.
               It was further assumed that there were plenty of net caught fisherman already trained to provide fish supply and that all that was lacking was this push to standardize and certify the chain of custody.
             Well its not a case of the weak link ruining the plan, its a case of missing links in the plan. ' What fish supply?" There has never been significant progress in training and equipping cyanide fisherman in anywhere near the numbers required to base such a movement on!  [ despite the expenditure of a few million dollars by assorted groups over the years.] This is accepted now and the issue has evolved towards...how do we fix it?
                After all, if a chain has missing links...it cannot pull your car out of the mud!.  It was claimed that there were other achievements...and good news to hold up and to be sure there was...HOWEVER, if the actual ,bonafide net caught fish supply is not created thru further training, certification will never gain credibility and the investment will be for naught. The polarization of the issue is rooted in this dilemma.
               Recently, months were lost due to the insistence that the exporters must give their blessing to the reform process, because without it, cyanide abuse will continue. That's also something in flux . Several hundred cyanide fisherman currently in jail and the increasing clamp down and banning of the trade in various municipalities in the Philippines indicate that the exporters have less and less choice. Obey the law or go to jail is increasing throughout the Philippines.
                Sustainable fisheries must become reality whether or not the trade agrees to support reform or not. The choice will not be that of business people anymore. As in our country, what the market wants i.e.. abalone or salmon, carries no weight if the resource is protected or in danger.
Imagine if will for a moment, if we thought our black bears could never be saved unless the Chinese market demand for their gall bladders lessened.
               Before WE allowed "market demands and attitudes" to justify the wipeout of black bears to happen, we would be hunting bear poachers and putting them in jail. Oops, I guess that's exactly what we do already.
             Limits, permits and quotas are the rule of the day not the limitless need and greed of the market. The Philippines is increasingly becoming ruled by law and due process. The trend is toward restrictions, and closures unless the trade reforms its practices...which can then and only then be revealed in its paper trails.
              We must reform for the right reasons and not be led to believe that it depends upon a change of heart in the very business people that brought the plague into our house in the first place.
               Training enables certification and then...peace on this issue.
                                                                                                                      Sincerely, Steve Robinson

Mike,
         Click on MacArthur Foundation...
                    then...grants authorized for 2001...
                              then conservation and sustainability...
                                        then under subcategory...
                                                   Asia -Pacific...
                                                             
                     look at the IMA AND MAC Budget allocations ...
This is merely a million..
then go to Packard and search, then TNC, then MacArthur...
like I said...millions gained, dozens trained.           Steve   

                 
Fw: REPORT TO MAC    
Dear Ferdinand and Peter,
  I think, this answer from Ty is self explanatory!
Regards,
  Josef
Subject: Re: REPORT TO MAC
> Dear Mr. Steiger,
> I received your e-mail dated January 12, 2003 addressed to me, and your
> letter to Dr. Paul Holthus.  I wish respond to your statements, but before
> I do that, we must first agree on certain ground rules to ensure fairness
> for both of us:
> First, if one of us says something wrong (whether you or me), then that
> person will admit his or her mistake and undo it (e.g., by a retraction
> published to everyone who was given the wrong statement).
> Second, statements of fact must be based on true evidence, not hearsay.
> Third, neither one of us will give information to the public unless it is
> true and supported by true evidence.
> Fourth, neither one of us will give information to the public unless the
> other person has already had notice of the statement and a fair
opportunity
> to respond.
> Fifth, neither one of us will give information to the public without
> letting the public know of the other person's response.
> If you agree to these ground rules, then I will respond to your
> statements.  Otherwise, there is no point for me to respond to you.  If
you
> think of other ground rules that can ensure mutual fairness and productive
> discussion, feel free to suggest them.
> Let me know whether you agree to these terms. These rules are fair to
both
> of us.  If you do not agree to these rules, I will assume that it is
> because you are afraid to engage in a fair discussion, just like "Dr."
Rubec.
> Sincerely,
> Lolita Ty

Ferdinand Cruz resignation from MAC

                                                    December 15, 2002.

Paul Holthus

Executive Director

Marine Aquarium Council

Hawaii

Dr. Vaughan Pratt

International Marinelife Alliance

Hawaii

Charles Barber

International Marinelife Alliance

Hawaii

Dear Mr. Paul Holthus, Vaughan Pratt, and Chip,

Although I am seconded to you by IMA, it is my personal decision to tender my resignation as your training specialist for MAC as soon as possible. I know that I have to give a 30 days notice but I think we can forgo of that formality. This December 15 is fine with me and I hope with you.

My decision to resign has not been easy nor did it come over night.  As you know for more than 10 years, I have been striving to help change the aquarium industry and help better the lives of the collectors.  When MAC came about in mid 1999 I chose to offer my services to MAC because I believed in MAC’s concept to make the industry clean, to make life better for the collectors, and at the same time conserve and protect the earth’s marine resources.  I saw MAC’s concept and goals as one of the needed independent component in the IMA’s ornamental reform program.   Seeing the mission and the capabilities of MAC, I fought for MAC despite the many detractors.  I believed in MAC when others did not. 

As I entered my second year as a training specialist for MAC I witnessed little by little, MAC’s deviations from their original goals.  I tried to fight these deviations by trying to suggest changes in the path of MAC but there was little response.  MAC did not see these changes as necessary or important as they are and it is because of these deviations from the original goals of MAC that I have decided to leave the organization. 

I cannot in conscience stand any longer for an organization that is now perceived as not really making the industry clean, that is not making life better for the collectors, and is not helping to conserve the earth’s marine resources.  MAC is only worsening these problems and I will show you,

1)      How MAC is not making the industry clean

a)      By certifying exporters who mixes clean and dirty fish.

·         The MAC certified exporters are going to use the certification to hide their illegal activities and claim the fish they are exporting as clean.  However, in reality most of them are willfully staying dirty and thus making more coastal villagers suffer and go hungry with the wanton destruction carried out by their collectors.  Net collectors were taken aback that some exporters were certified without passing through the right process. Collectors have said that they have not seen any improvements in the methods of accepting and treating their fishes in these facilities. Some collectors have even cynically asked me why some nearby houses near some export facilities conveniently and quietly handle the distribution of cyanide.  They informed me that the stores where cyanide is typically purchased from are now being guarded by enforcement authorities and ordinary collectors are being accosted when they make purchases in these stores.  By MAC certifying these exporters improperly, MAC is on the path of legitimizing well-kept illegal activities.  

b)     By having weak standards and best practices for exporters.

·         The standard of certifying only the fish that goes to the exporter. This standard is weak because it allows for the MAC certified exporter to cherry pick on the MAC certified collector’s fish.  However, in reality, they are buying the bulk of their fish from cyanide collectors yet these MAC certified exporters still claim themselves to be clean.  

·         MAC’s standard of declaring MAC certified fish and non-certified fish.  A MAC certified exporter will always claim that all or majority of their fish are MAC certified because declaring that majority of their fish are non-certified is like admitting that their fish are dirty and that they support illegal activities.

·