Sarah and Ecolog:
While I have no doubt that you and your colleagues are sincere, please
understand that it is my policy never to click "I agree to the terms of
service" at any website. I am curious about how others handle this. I
believe that a standard "Terms of Service" statement which could be cited by
websites which those who wish to participate would only have to read once
might alleviate contributor concerns, but those who do not want to take the
chance that their clicking in the affirmative at websites will not be
contrary to the participants' best interests are unlikely to be willing to
read the fine print each time they wish to participate.
I have little confidence in Internet petitions, but under other circumstance
would be willing to go along on the outside chance that they might have some
effect. However, 1,000 signatures isn't much, and direct means of contact
with those empowered to make policy decisions is likely to "count" for more.
In addition, I question the necessity or advisability of placing emphasis
upon the diving community; this is likely to be interpreted by policy-makers
as one interest group (divers) against fisherfolk ("dependent" upon fishing
for their livelihood). As a purely political strategy, this sort of thing is
questionable.
In any case, should you care to forward my sentiments, here they are:
While we are sympathetic with the actual NEEDS of human survival, there is
no evidence, there is no common sense, that justifies the degradation or
extinction of another animal for the whims of any group of humans for the
expediency of short-term gains, after which another animal must suffer the
same fate until there is nothing left to exploit and the future generations
are consigned to a level of impoverishment that will make the poorest humans
of today look like extravagant kings by comparison. The failure to consider
the impact of the utter waste of extinction or degradation of resources like
the Goliath Grouper or any other living thing upon future generations is an
act of complete irresponsibility toward our children, their children, and
theirs. It is the most extreme violation possible against Nature, or if you
prefer, God's creation. Greed is much too mild a term for this level of
selfishness.
WT
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sarah Frias-Torres" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 7:53 AM
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] HELPING OCEAN GIANTS
Dear Ecol-loggers,
Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is one of the last representatives of
the marine megafauna that were once abundant in tropical and subtropical
latitudes of the world's oceans. Critically endangered throughout its
distribution range, goliath grouper (previously known as jewfish), have been
protected in U.S federal and state waters since 1990 through a total fishing
ban. After reaching commercial extinction, the species is now in a path
towards recovery. Florida is one of the few places in the world, where we
can still dive with these giants.
Powerful lobbies are pressuring politicians to relax the protected status of
goliath grouper to re-open the fishery at some point. This is against
scientists recommendations. In a meeting early December, the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission will vote on whether to facilitate the
process for a fishery re-opening or continue with the complete fishing ban
and full protection.
The SCUBA diving community, conservationists and scientists are now lobbying
so politicians will listen to the voice of reason. Please, consult the
petition below, and consider adding your signature (you can also add your
own comments). We hope to reach at least 1,000 signatures (more will even be
better). - http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/protect-goliath-groupers
Thank you for your time.You can find links to goliath grouper publications
and a dedicated Endangered Species Research issue in my internet page. Also
a short documentary film under "teaching"
Sarah Frias-Torres, Ph.D. http://independent.academia.edu/SarahFriasTorres
=
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