I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from my post entitled, “Have they gone too far.” People were upset, claiming that I was accusing the aquarium industry of harming the environment, and misleading readers into believing that reef aquariums were an environmental stressor. I got feedback claiming that while reef aquariums do use a lot of electricity to maintain, they are far less an environmental stressor than other hobbies. I want to clarify some of the points behind the article.Accepting responsibility for yourself: One of the greatest challenges when addressing carbon emissions and climate change, is making people aware of how their own habits and behaviors effect the planet. Various aspects of society have been trying to do this for some time, from the please recycle logo on a plastic bottle on up to cars advertising better than mandatory emissions. There are efforts taking place by industry, the government and non-profit organizations to educate people on incremental changes they can take at home to reduce carbon and waste pollution. Not long ago I bought my daughter a children’s book entitled, “All the way to the ocean.” It’s a great story that follows trash thrown onto the sidewalk right out to sea. It’s a service announcement for children that when we are irresponsible with trash, eventually it can end up causing real problems for oceanic animals. Aquarists assume a great deal of power when they take marine animals into their homes. In many ways as aquarists, we play god. Creating a dynamic ecosystem, measuring and monitoring its chemistry and trying to balance a host of living things in captivity. Today’s marketplace for marine aquarists offers a great deal of power. The power to go online and order animals that live on the other side of the world, rare animals that are uncommon on their native reefs, and nearly unseen in home aquariums. With all that power comes great responsibility, and it extends beyond just keeping the animals in your care healthy. In many ways both the hobby and industry have done well. Coral fragging has reduced the burden on wild reefs, and allows aquarists to share coral life with one another, without the need to disturb a wild reef. Various equipment manufacturers pay close attention to their products power consumption and LED lighting has greatly reduced the electrical burden reef aquariums impose. All of these are important steps in the right direction.… More:
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