In this industry, like many others, creatures are being harvested illegally (STOLEN) and sold on Craig’s list or e-bay. Your creatures SHOULD NOT be bought in this manner. By doing so you are supporting the criminals who strip the ocean of its natural resources. The ones who aredoing it legally (the right way) are paying for licenses which have a # attached to them. When purchasing from private individuals on-line be absolutely sure they have those numbers (which can be traced). It is punishable “BY LAW!” Some private individuals could be using license #‘s under sea food. So BEWARE! Of phrases like “Sea Food”, “Exclusive”, or “One of a kind”, “RARE“ or “Unusual. You also need a license for “Bi-catch” (Which is traceable).

     We ran into one of these “Back-yard collectors when visiting those who we order from. Selling sharks as “food” and buying creatures out of a 5 gal. Bucket (from other shrimp boats) for beer and drug money without a “bi-catch” license. From a make shift tarp off the side of his house (calling it a temporary structure) and a wholesale business, where the sewer from his house (especially at high tide) was under his feet and where he bagged the fish to be sent to wholesale facilities and other retail stores. After a back ground check found out he was a registered sex offender. We never again purchased from him or anybody he sold to either.

     Buying Corals that were illegally brought into this country (as a carry on) is also illegal. Raising them to frag out and give them some cutesy name (for $800, an “exclusive” frag). They can charge what ever they want because they are the only ones who have one. Why? DON‘T FALL FOR IT!.

     Ignorance (Lack of knowledge) is no excuse. We do not support this type of behavior with any of our creatures. We have the responsibility to investigate our sources. Focusing on the pet industry, you can ask “Where did you buy from?” Check with the local pet store to see if they are selling to them.

     As pet store owners we pay some type of overhead for “YOUR” convenience to physically visit a place to see the creatures, how they are being kept, save on shipping, etc. By supporting “On-line” or “Back yard” collectors will shut down your local pet stores, especially now in these times.

     We have a moral responsibility to ensure to healthiness and wellness of our planet. For those individuals who ignore this is also breaking the law. Punishable under Federal law. Buying stolen merchandise knowingly and/or unknowingly can end you up in “Federal” penitentiary.

What you can do:

Report them

Start a petition

Call your local D.N.R. (Department of Natural Resources)

Do your research

Follow through

Support those who BUY THE LICENSES!