aquaculture

[hammondegge]

does anyone know of any aquaculture or collection operations in quintana roo or yucatan mexico? i need some contact info.

[obtusewit]

Mexican law does not allow for collection of native corals, even dead ones. And export of marine species for commercial purposes is limited to edible shrimp and fish farming operations. I have many old friends who work in the diving industry who Cozumel and Isla del Carmen (I was working there in the early 80's), who have tried in every way to start a commercial coral propogation biz along the Mayan Riviera to no avail. The laws are so restrictive that you won't even see saltwater reef tanks in Cozumel (at the restaurants, hotels, etc). The criminal penalties for trying to take something out of the country are pretty stiff... Acans may be steep (God knows why) but 20 years in a Mexican jail is way outta my price range

[GaryP]

I did a search for Mexican aquaculture and all I found was references to table shrimp and tilapia.

[hammondegge]

thanks guys

[Reef69]

Thanks W!..Dont wanna say this but, William (obtusewit) found out the hard way :skeezy

Yeah, thats why Mexican reefs look nothing like any other caribbean reefs. They are super protected. You can be diving or snorkling and you may see a coast guard boat at any given time..and believe me, you dont want to be in a mexican jail for 20 years..

[GaryP]

I don't want to be in a Mexican jail for 5 min.

[::pete::]

You'll have a Sancho real fast!!!

[JimD]

I don't want to be in a Mexican jail for 5 min.

At least not while wearing your new thong! lmao! Couldnt resist Gary... lol

[jaded]

they have jails down there? I though they just sold you to slavers.

I think I'll get my corals from the LFS, dont need a life partner from down south.

[::pete::]

:D "squeeeeel" can you hear the banjo's? :D

[Reef69]

LOL Pete...

[Bill S]

We were in Belize in June - same deal there. VERY harsh penalties for taking.

[CD]

VERY harsh penalties for taking.


This is a GOOD thing, folks! There are many reefs all over the world that are suffering (declining) from pollution, overfishing (reefs being overgrown with algae that was once eaten by the herbv. fish), etc., etc... We should all really strive to buy cultivated corals in lieu of "wild" - PLEASE!

There is a LFS in S.Ant. that is making an effort to raise corals to return to the ocean - I was thinking this might be a great endeavor for us (as conscientious MAASTards) to join in and see what we can do to help. If that sounds like an interesting project for the club, please LMK and we can delve into this further.

W. :)

[GaryP]

Speaking of Reef Restoration, check this out.

http://www.reefball.org/

[hammondegge]

cool link Gary, i have been looking for such organizations. the intereset i have in culture and collection in mexico is ecologically minded. I agree Wendy, cultured is the way to go. one frag from the reef can satisy and educate hundreds, some of which may give back.