Nemo vanishing from Pacific reefs
Monday, November 17, 2003 Posted: 11:47 PM EST (0447 GMT)
"SYDNEY, Australia -- Finding Nemo or any of his fishy friends is becoming increasingly hard work on the coral reefs of the South Pacific.
The success of the computer animated Disney feature has sparked a global surge in demand for tropical fish that is decimating reef populations, according to Australian media reports.
Among the worst hit areas are the waters around the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio reported Tuesday.
Dive operators in particular say they have noted a dramatic fall in the number of colorful reef fish in recent months, threatening to deprive the islands of an important ecological and tourism resource.
Industry spokesman Peter Whitelaw told ABC radio that "vast" numbers of fish were being taken in unsustainable numbers to supply the global aquarium trade. "
Read full article here
Monday, November 17, 2003 Posted: 11:47 PM EST (0447 GMT)
"SYDNEY, Australia -- Finding Nemo or any of his fishy friends is becoming increasingly hard work on the coral reefs of the South Pacific.
The success of the computer animated Disney feature has sparked a global surge in demand for tropical fish that is decimating reef populations, according to Australian media reports.
Among the worst hit areas are the waters around the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio reported Tuesday.
Dive operators in particular say they have noted a dramatic fall in the number of colorful reef fish in recent months, threatening to deprive the islands of an important ecological and tourism resource.
Industry spokesman Peter Whitelaw told ABC radio that "vast" numbers of fish were being taken in unsustainable numbers to supply the global aquarium trade. "
Read full article here