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BANGGAI CARDINALFISH NOT TO BE LISTED ON CITES II
BANGGAI CARDINALFISH NOT TO BE LISTED ON CITES II
Today, at the 14th CITES Convention of the Parties, a proposal by the United States of America to list the Indonesian Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) in CITES 2 was discussed. The proposal aimed at ensuring the survival of this highly appreciated aquariumfish.
In the viewpoint of the pet industry a CITES II listing is not the best way to safeguard the Banggai Cardinalfish. The industry prefers the implementation of a national management plan for this fish. This will have a twofold result; protection of the environment, which will make possible the sustainable harvest; and the continuation of livelihood for many fishermen in this remote archipelago. CITES II listing could possibly lead to a complete halt of the export of wild Banggai Cardinalfish, as we have also seen with seahorses after they were listed in CITES II.
The pet industry has lobbied intensively to endorse this position and so has supported the Indonesian delegation. Indonesia stressed the willingness to implement such a management plan. This position and also the support of many other countries for this position resulted in the withdrawal of the proposal by the United States of America.
The pet fish industry represented by Ornamental Fish International (OFI), European Pets Organization (EPO) and Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) has committed itself to assist the Indonesian authorities wherever possible and necessary.
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