Reefs.org Forums

[Mike R King]

FYI from coral-list Oct 23 2008

*NOAA Release: Proceedings of the International Cyanide Detection
Testing Workshop:*

NOAA has released the Proceedings of the International Cyanide Detection
Testing Workshop. This report summarizes the outcomes of a meeting held
in Florida in February, 2008, on the current status of field and
laboratory tests that are available or could be developed to detect the
presence of cyanide in marine ornamental fish at points of collection,
export, and import. The Executive Summary includes nine specific
recommendations needed to develop and implement cyanide testing in
countries of export and import. The proceedings provide the framework to
move forward in implementing networks of cyanide-detection laboratories.
Such networks would advance international efforts to enforce bans on
this type of fishing and help reduce this illegal and unsustainable
fishery’s presence in the aquarium trade.

The Proceedings of the International Cyanide Detection Testing Workshop
are available for download on the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program
website (http://coralreef.noaa.gov/) or via direct link
(http://coralreef.noaa.gov/Library/Publi ... de_doc.pdf). There
are a limited number of hard copies available upon request for those who
cannot download the PDF version.

The illegal use of cyanide to capture live reef fish for both the food
industry and the aquarium trade is widespread in the Asia-Pacific region
and leads not only to high mortality rates of the captured fish, but
damages and kills corals and other reef organisms. Without effective
testing methods, enforcement of anti-cyanide fishing laws has proved
difficult. The International Cyanide Detection Testing Workshop was one
component of a series of initiatives implemented by the NOAA Coral Reef
Conservation Program to address this destructive practice. Participants
from the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam included
government representatives, NGOs, academic institutions, marine aquarium
industry representatives, fisheries and law enforcement agencies,
forensic laboratories, and CITES Parties.

For additional information or to obtain hard copies please contact:
Glynnis Roberts, NOAA NMFS, Coral Reef Conservation Program, at
Glynnis.Roberts@noaa.gov

--
Glynnis Roberts
NOAA Fisheries
Coral Reef Conservation Program
1315 East West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Glynnis.Roberts@noaa.gov


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[PeterIMA]

If there are any questions about the CDT Workshop Proceedings. I am willing to try and answer them.

Peter Rubec, Ph.D.

[naesco]

Thanks for posting this Mike.
Cyanide is the most important issue facing industry.
Continuing its use dooms industry and our hobby.
Moving towards reeform gives us (and the reefs) a needed break.

Thanks Dr. Rubec for your offer.
I will take the time to read this comprehensive document and post questions no doubt.

[condiman]

I also thank you for posting this. I know with my business I make sure of where I buy from because I dont want to do any more damage to the oceans then there already is. Just my little part to help out.