Back in October 2016, we alerted you to someone trying to kill the US Koi industry. Although the wheels of government move mighty slowly, there has been some new development in this issue.
Regarding the Center for Invasive Species Prevention petition to list 42 aquatic species, including Koi, as being “high risk” – the National Aquaculture Association believes “that no action will be taken by the agency (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and there will probably be no public notice concerning petition. The simple reason is that the Lacey Act does not direct the agency in how to respond to public petitions”.
WHAT THIS MEANS
This is a positive step forward for anyone invested in the Koi industry.
CISP originally introduced this petition as an effort to get Koi listed as “high risk”, which would take Koi one step closer to being outlawed for interstate commerce, a move which would destroy the US Koi industry.
US Fish and Wildlife Service is not required to respond to the petition, and it does not appear that they will respond, so the petition will likely fade into history with no impact.
THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER
It was recently decided in court that US Fish and Wildlife Service does not actually have the authority, under the Lacey Act, to prohibit interstate transport of injurious wildlife within the US.
This decision has triggered organizations to begin to create support for amending the language in the Lacey Act to grant this power to US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations include the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and American Fisheries Society – Southern Division.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you happen to be a member of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission or American Fisheries Society, consider voicing your disagreement with their resolutions to amend the Lacey Act and give US FWS the possible authority to effectively kill the US Koi industry.
Keep spreading the word about this to anyone you know who is involved in the US industry. Hobbyists, dealers, breeders, even those involved in the production and sale of dry goods. There are potential outcomes that would be incredibly dire for everyone who makes a living in the Koi industry, and everyone’s voice should be heard when the time comes.
Next Day Koi is committed to keeping you up to date on this issue. Consider signing up for our mailing list to stay up to date on any new developments.