Governments Fail to Protect Red and Pink Coral (Coralliidae)
- Thread starter spawner
- Start date
clarionreef
Advanced Reefer
- Location
- San Francisco
Now, now....lets not be too hasty.
They did afterall ban the collection of the Kaiser spotted newt. :roll:
Bypassing the bluefin tuna and in a Monty Pythonesque gesture.... banning the KSN ie. Kaiser spotted newt once again underscores for me that something really sad has happened in the souls of todays sorry self serving and cowardly crop of would be environmentalists.
From the mountains of Iraq, Iran and the Southern Ukraine comes the rare Kaiser spotted newt, a newt so fair, so rare that it commands a price of 300 Euros each....or so they said.
Thats no longer true of course.... an exaggeration ment to build alarm and divert attention from the real wildlife issues they avoided.
The old Google searches that now educate these eco-office politicians, lag on the net and are still teaching them wrong information as things change in real life.
They are always years behind it seems.
Case in point....the newt is not hard to breed and has in fact been bred enough by amphibian hobbyists lately to drop the price down to $130 US ea. It is dropping still as the numbers in captivity rise.
They never mentioned this and because it happened in the last 3 years they don't even know of it...
Thanks to the hobby, it will always be with us as a species. The coming captive abundance could also be used to re-propagate. Thanks to hobbyists, it is not endangered as a species nearly as much....
Prioritizing this newt story as an issue in need of attention more then the plight of the bluefin tuna really takes the cake and proves the corruption of the process....and the people in it.
I mean, no independant scientist could not even read this stuff out loud in public with a straight face.
Whoever speaks for the Mother Earth sure ain't these guys.
Steve
They did afterall ban the collection of the Kaiser spotted newt. :roll:
Bypassing the bluefin tuna and in a Monty Pythonesque gesture.... banning the KSN ie. Kaiser spotted newt once again underscores for me that something really sad has happened in the souls of todays sorry self serving and cowardly crop of would be environmentalists.
From the mountains of Iraq, Iran and the Southern Ukraine comes the rare Kaiser spotted newt, a newt so fair, so rare that it commands a price of 300 Euros each....or so they said.
Thats no longer true of course.... an exaggeration ment to build alarm and divert attention from the real wildlife issues they avoided.
The old Google searches that now educate these eco-office politicians, lag on the net and are still teaching them wrong information as things change in real life.
They are always years behind it seems.
Case in point....the newt is not hard to breed and has in fact been bred enough by amphibian hobbyists lately to drop the price down to $130 US ea. It is dropping still as the numbers in captivity rise.
They never mentioned this and because it happened in the last 3 years they don't even know of it...
Thanks to the hobby, it will always be with us as a species. The coming captive abundance could also be used to re-propagate. Thanks to hobbyists, it is not endangered as a species nearly as much....
Prioritizing this newt story as an issue in need of attention more then the plight of the bluefin tuna really takes the cake and proves the corruption of the process....and the people in it.
I mean, no independant scientist could not even read this stuff out loud in public with a straight face.
Whoever speaks for the Mother Earth sure ain't these guys.
Steve
GreshamH":1svnud8d said:spawner":1svnud8d said:
Canada spoke out against the Bluefin proposal as wellI am truly sad that one didn't pass. The last one tastes the best I guess.
The bluefin never showed up last year. I don't think they showed up in any numbers here this year.
Agreed, but you know I don't see CITES as a viable organization after this, maybe I'm not plugged in enough and just getting the sand out of my eyes, but at least our trade is is being monitored and has quotes. Certainly if an organism needed ESA listing because of its trade it would be large pelagic sharks, but that is not what ESA is for, CITES was suppose to do that and can't seem to get the job done, insane.
I'm not sure what impact the paper will have, hopefully it will be positive, the times coverage brings more attention to the issues/problem. Start a new thread and we can discuss it. I don't have a lot of time but I'm happy to talk about it.
I'm not sure what impact the paper will have, hopefully it will be positive, the times coverage brings more attention to the issues/problem. Start a new thread and we can discuss it. I don't have a lot of time but I'm happy to talk about it.
clarionreef
Advanced Reefer
- Location
- San Francisco
But.......... they do wanna save the newt!!!!
You evil newt collectors and hobbyists!
You little guys got famous this week and provided smoke and cover for the shark, tuna and coral sell-outs....congratulations!
Going after the smallest of offenders in attempt to establish the pretense of caring is a long running premise of mine.
Now its becoming a well validated premise .
Why is this happening ?
Let me spell it out.
Careers in "environmentalism have gone global and corporate.
Its only predictable that richer and more powerful interests and companies usurp, infiltrate, take over, absorb this cause.
BUT....of course they have their own agenda with it and intend to redefine and mold it in their own image.
Inasmuch as they pay and offer the salaries of new generations of graduates with environmentally oriented or relevant degrees....they get to fashion them as they want.
Their own professors should be ashamed of them. Then again, its easier for academics to remain more ...er...pure.
The ultimate eco-mutation was proved this this week. We now witness the production of environmentalists that dont even resemble environmentalists anymore. They have Rachael Carson rolling over in her grave!
The scary thing is that they may not even know that they have crossed over and become what they used to disdain. Most people sell-out in imperceptible increments and never know where and when they crossed the line.
The loss of credibility of the CITES process and the big exposure of " for show" environmentalism will hopefully trigger a backlash and make the hordes of eco-people rushing to sell their credentials to the highest bidder will pause for reflection and meditation before they are lost to the dark side forever.
Steve
You evil newt collectors and hobbyists!
You little guys got famous this week and provided smoke and cover for the shark, tuna and coral sell-outs....congratulations!
Going after the smallest of offenders in attempt to establish the pretense of caring is a long running premise of mine.
Now its becoming a well validated premise .
Why is this happening ?
Let me spell it out.
Careers in "environmentalism have gone global and corporate.
Its only predictable that richer and more powerful interests and companies usurp, infiltrate, take over, absorb this cause.
BUT....of course they have their own agenda with it and intend to redefine and mold it in their own image.
Inasmuch as they pay and offer the salaries of new generations of graduates with environmentally oriented or relevant degrees....they get to fashion them as they want.
Their own professors should be ashamed of them. Then again, its easier for academics to remain more ...er...pure.
The ultimate eco-mutation was proved this this week. We now witness the production of environmentalists that dont even resemble environmentalists anymore. They have Rachael Carson rolling over in her grave!
The scary thing is that they may not even know that they have crossed over and become what they used to disdain. Most people sell-out in imperceptible increments and never know where and when they crossed the line.
The loss of credibility of the CITES process and the big exposure of " for show" environmentalism will hopefully trigger a backlash and make the hordes of eco-people rushing to sell their credentials to the highest bidder will pause for reflection and meditation before they are lost to the dark side forever.
Steve
Subj: [Coral-List] CITES Guilty Plea for Trade in Black Coral
Date: 3/29/2010 9:17:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Received from Internet: click here for more information
I am posting the following on behalf of a colleague at the U.S.
Department of Justice:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ENRD
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
(202) 514-2007
WWW.JUSTICE.GOV <http://WWW.USDOJ.GOV>
TDD (202) 514-1888
*_TAIWANESE COUPLE PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY TRADING_*
*_PROTECTED BLACK CORAL_*
WASHINGTON---Two Taiwanese nationals pleaded guilty today in
federal court in the U.S. Virgin Islands for conspiracy to ship
internationally protected black coral into the United States in
violation of federal wildlife statutes, the Department of Justice announced.
Gloria Chu and Ivan Chu of Taipei, Taiwan, each pleaded guilty to nine
counts including conspiracy, false statements, and violations of both
the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act makes it a
felony to falsely label wildlife that is intended for international
commerce. The Endangered Species Act is the U.S. domestic law that
implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Each of the species of black coral is
listed in Appendix II of CITES and is subject to strict trade regulations.
Black coral is one of the several types of precious corals that
can be polished to a high sheen, worked into artistic sculptures and
used in inlaid jewelry. Use of black coral in artistry has existed for
centuries in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean. Black coral is
typically found in deep waters, and many species have long life spans
and are slow-growing. One specimen was reported by scientists to be
more than 4,200 years old with a growth rate of only 5 micrometers (one
millionth of meter) per year. Additionally, using deep sea
submersibles, scientists have observed that fish and invertebrates tend
to accumulate around the black coral colonies. In the last few decades,
pressures from overharvesting, due in part to the wider availability of
scuba gear and invasive species, have threatened this group of coral.
According to plea agreements filed with the court, the Chus ran a
business named Peng Chia Enterprise Co. Ltd. that supplied materials
including black coral to customers outside of Taiwan for jewelry design
and manufacture. At times prior to 2007, the Chus were issued CITES
export permits by the Taiwanese government in order to ship black coral
overseas. Since 2007, however, they have been unable to obtain permits
because they are unable to produce a legitimate certificate of origin.
Both Chus admitted that in order to supply a company based in the Virgin
Islands with black coral, they would falsely label shipments in order to
conceal the coral from U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. The
conspiracy included travel to a warehouse in mainland China to choose
coral from a Chinese supplier and the use of an intermediary to ship the
black coral from Hong Kong to Company X in St. Thomas. The scheme took
place for at least two years prior to the customs seizure of an August
2009 shipment destined for Company X.
On Aug. 19, 2009, Peng Chia sent a shipment comprised of 10 boxes of
black coral that were labeled "plastic of craft work." A U.S. Customs'
Contraband Enforcement Team flagged the shipment as suspicious and
contacted U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) from San Juan, Puerto Rico. As
a result, USFWS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
Immigration and Customs Enforcement opened a joint investigation,
"Operation Black Gold," that led to the arrest of the Chus in January
2010. Analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National
Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Ore., revealed that shipment from the
Chus contained internationally- protected black coral. Today, the Chus
admitted that from 2007 to 2009, they sent more than $194,000 worth of
black coral to Company X.
"Trafficking in protected species like black coral violates
international and domestic law and threatens the existence of that
important resource," said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General
for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources
Division. "We will continue to enforce environmental and natural
resource laws so that future generations can continue to enjoy these
important marine resources."
"This should send a strong and clear message to those individuals
foreign and domestic, who deliberately break our environmental laws,
that their conduct will not be tolerated. Those who illegally plunder
nature's resources in favor of profits will be brought to justice," said
James Gale, Special Agent in Charge of the Fish and Wildlife Services's
Southeast Region. "The cooperative efforts show the commitment of all
agencies involved to protect coral and the natural resources against the
illegal international trade, we are all stewards."
"Stopping the illicit trade and depletion of protected species such as
black coral is critical to preserving a healthy and viable marine
environment," said U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe for the District of
the U.S. Virgin Islands. "The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to
work closely with its domestic and international law enforcement
partners to detect, investigate and prosecute those who plunder and
traffic in endangered species for their selfish gain."
According to the plea agreements, Ivan Chu has agreed to serve 30 months
in prison and pay a $12,500 fine. Gloria Chu has agreed to serve 20
months in prison and pay a $12,500 fine. Both defendants would also be
prohibited from shipping coral and other wildlife products to the United
States for a three-year period after their release from prison. A
sentencing date has been set for June 23, 2010.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with
support from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and
Border Protection. The case is being prosecuted by the Justice
Department's Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office
for the District of the Virgin Islands.
--
Steven Thur, Ph.D.
Coral Reef Conservation Program
Office of Ocean & Coastal Resource Management
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
N/OCM, SSMC4, Rm. 10404
1305 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
email: [email protected]
phone: 301.563.1147
fax: 301.713.4387
_______________________________________________
Coral-List mailing list
[email protected]
http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list
Date: 3/29/2010 9:17:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Received from Internet: click here for more information
I am posting the following on behalf of a colleague at the U.S.
Department of Justice:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ENRD
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
(202) 514-2007
WWW.JUSTICE.GOV <http://WWW.USDOJ.GOV>
TDD (202) 514-1888
*_TAIWANESE COUPLE PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY TRADING_*
*_PROTECTED BLACK CORAL_*
WASHINGTON---Two Taiwanese nationals pleaded guilty today in
federal court in the U.S. Virgin Islands for conspiracy to ship
internationally protected black coral into the United States in
violation of federal wildlife statutes, the Department of Justice announced.
Gloria Chu and Ivan Chu of Taipei, Taiwan, each pleaded guilty to nine
counts including conspiracy, false statements, and violations of both
the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act makes it a
felony to falsely label wildlife that is intended for international
commerce. The Endangered Species Act is the U.S. domestic law that
implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Each of the species of black coral is
listed in Appendix II of CITES and is subject to strict trade regulations.
Black coral is one of the several types of precious corals that
can be polished to a high sheen, worked into artistic sculptures and
used in inlaid jewelry. Use of black coral in artistry has existed for
centuries in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean. Black coral is
typically found in deep waters, and many species have long life spans
and are slow-growing. One specimen was reported by scientists to be
more than 4,200 years old with a growth rate of only 5 micrometers (one
millionth of meter) per year. Additionally, using deep sea
submersibles, scientists have observed that fish and invertebrates tend
to accumulate around the black coral colonies. In the last few decades,
pressures from overharvesting, due in part to the wider availability of
scuba gear and invasive species, have threatened this group of coral.
According to plea agreements filed with the court, the Chus ran a
business named Peng Chia Enterprise Co. Ltd. that supplied materials
including black coral to customers outside of Taiwan for jewelry design
and manufacture. At times prior to 2007, the Chus were issued CITES
export permits by the Taiwanese government in order to ship black coral
overseas. Since 2007, however, they have been unable to obtain permits
because they are unable to produce a legitimate certificate of origin.
Both Chus admitted that in order to supply a company based in the Virgin
Islands with black coral, they would falsely label shipments in order to
conceal the coral from U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. The
conspiracy included travel to a warehouse in mainland China to choose
coral from a Chinese supplier and the use of an intermediary to ship the
black coral from Hong Kong to Company X in St. Thomas. The scheme took
place for at least two years prior to the customs seizure of an August
2009 shipment destined for Company X.
On Aug. 19, 2009, Peng Chia sent a shipment comprised of 10 boxes of
black coral that were labeled "plastic of craft work." A U.S. Customs'
Contraband Enforcement Team flagged the shipment as suspicious and
contacted U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) from San Juan, Puerto Rico. As
a result, USFWS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
Immigration and Customs Enforcement opened a joint investigation,
"Operation Black Gold," that led to the arrest of the Chus in January
2010. Analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National
Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Ore., revealed that shipment from the
Chus contained internationally- protected black coral. Today, the Chus
admitted that from 2007 to 2009, they sent more than $194,000 worth of
black coral to Company X.
"Trafficking in protected species like black coral violates
international and domestic law and threatens the existence of that
important resource," said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General
for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources
Division. "We will continue to enforce environmental and natural
resource laws so that future generations can continue to enjoy these
important marine resources."
"This should send a strong and clear message to those individuals
foreign and domestic, who deliberately break our environmental laws,
that their conduct will not be tolerated. Those who illegally plunder
nature's resources in favor of profits will be brought to justice," said
James Gale, Special Agent in Charge of the Fish and Wildlife Services's
Southeast Region. "The cooperative efforts show the commitment of all
agencies involved to protect coral and the natural resources against the
illegal international trade, we are all stewards."
"Stopping the illicit trade and depletion of protected species such as
black coral is critical to preserving a healthy and viable marine
environment," said U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe for the District of
the U.S. Virgin Islands. "The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to
work closely with its domestic and international law enforcement
partners to detect, investigate and prosecute those who plunder and
traffic in endangered species for their selfish gain."
According to the plea agreements, Ivan Chu has agreed to serve 30 months
in prison and pay a $12,500 fine. Gloria Chu has agreed to serve 20
months in prison and pay a $12,500 fine. Both defendants would also be
prohibited from shipping coral and other wildlife products to the United
States for a three-year period after their release from prison. A
sentencing date has been set for June 23, 2010.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with
support from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and
Border Protection. The case is being prosecuted by the Justice
Department's Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office
for the District of the Virgin Islands.
--
Steven Thur, Ph.D.
Coral Reef Conservation Program
Office of Ocean & Coastal Resource Management
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
N/OCM, SSMC4, Rm. 10404
1305 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
email: [email protected]
phone: 301.563.1147
fax: 301.713.4387
_______________________________________________
Coral-List mailing list
[email protected]
http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list
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