MASNA Sets Record Straight, Launches Educational Webpages

A shoal of adult “yellow belly” Pacific Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) in Pemba, Tanzinia. Creative Commons, Image © James Heilman, WikiMedia [https://goo.gl/R9Ybkr]

“The scene is set for the sequel to the incredibly successful Pixar/Disney movie Finding Nemo. Scheduled for release in June 2016, Finding Dory sets out to answer a question posed in the first movie: “where is Dory’s family?” On the face of it, there is nothing concerning about this storyline. But two troubling flaws emerge from early information released about this movie and its predecessor: 1) the assertion that Dory is captive bred, and 2) that aquarium fish should be returned to the ocean. These messages indicate some troubling assumptions and assertions that may have dire implications for palette surgeonfish and its collection from the wild.” – MASNA’s Pallet Surgeonfish Aquaculture webpage

Two New MASNA Education Pages: Palette Surgeonfish Aquaculture and Lionfish Education

via MASNA.org

MASNA, the Marine Aquarium Societies of North America, is a non-profit organization composed of marine aquarium clubs and individual hobbyists from North America and abroad, totaling several thousand individuals.

MASNA and its volunteers have put together two new educational articles, one on the aquaculture of the Palette Surgeonfish, and one on invasive Lionfish Education.

MASNA’s new Surgeonfish Aquaculture webpage examines past accomplishments and dispels myths in advanced of “Finding Dory”

The Palette Surgeonfish Aquaculture article (http://masna.org/masna-programs/palette-surgeonfish/) details the work being done in the captive breeding and rearing of the common Palette Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus), and Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) by hobbyists, corporations, and scientists alike. Detailing successes and efforts from sources such as Rising Tide Conservation, The Oceanic Institute in Hawaii, Sustainable Aquatics, the Fisheries Research Institute of Taiwan, and even home hobbyists such as Darren Nancarrow. We delve into the success rates, feeding regime, and success stories of breeding and raising these difficult fish.

Along with this, we cover the upcoming Disney movie, Finding Dory; the possible ramifications the film will have on the hobbyist and industry alike, and the stance the cast and producers are taking regarding the subject of releasing captive housed livestock back into open waterways.

MASNA’s Lionfish Education webpage looks at the history and status of the Atlantic Lionfish invasion.

The Lionfish Education article (http://masna.org/masna-programs/lionfish-education/) details the current invasive epidemic of the common Pterios volitans and P. miles Lionfish in Atlantic and Caribbean waterways. Reaching back to the first known sightings of these invasive species, possible methods of their introductions, and steps being taken to remove and eradicate current populations, the Lionfish Education Guide is essential information for the hobbyist and any recreational diver planning on visiting the afflicted areas.

From anecdotal and professional information concerning the historical and current spread and locale of the invasive species, scientists trace back potential sources of their introduction into non-native waterways. Looking into the genealogical histories of captured specimens, behaviors and impacts of native species, and work being done by local fisherman and volunteers, we can educate hobbyists and professionals on how to react to seeing these fish in their daily dives and what they can do to help ease the burden being caused by these animals.

Both articles are geared toward education and presentation for hobbyist, club, and professional aquarists. The articles can be accessed for free at www.masna.org, and are made for immediate and easy dispersal. Additional information has been included in these articles in the forms of media and external links for those wishing to further their education and understanding of these items.

If you would like to become a supporting member or sponsor of MASNA and our programs, please join us at http://www.masna.org/join-masna/. Your support will assist us in our goals to Educate, Assist, Support, and Encourage marine aquarium societies and hobbyists across North America.

MACNA 2016 will be held this year in San Diego, California from September 9 through September 11, 2016. We hope to see everyone in attendance this year for another great show.

To contact us, please visit our website at www.masna.org, or email us at publicrelations@masna.org.