Texas Proposal Could Stop Trade in Dozens of Aquarium Plants

[RipariumGuy]

I have to agree with the govornment that this is a problem that should be fixed, but banning these plants like this is very over reaching. The majority of the plants that would be banned that are popular among aquarists could, I believe adapt and thrive in Texas and other states, but completely banning them is not the way to go, as it is very unfare to the many who have kept plants responsibly. Why not have a cheap plant license? Where the plant purchaser would have to read sign something that makes them aware of the danger they pose and "makes" them agree to never release them into the wild.

But then again, there will always be the bad apple who will not listen.

[hydrophyte]

Aw geez I posted that other thread so that that link that I found could be easy to find right up at the top, but it got subsumed into this thread. Anyway, here again is that link...

International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society: New Texas Aquatic Plant Law

This law will be very bad for the aquarium plant hobby. And you have to wonder about their scientific rigor. If you look through their lists of approved and banned species several of their selections seem arbitrary at best.

[Noahma]

Originally Posted by mistergreen

They grow slowly in your tank, not necessarily out in the wild, emersed.

The proposal is not for emersed forms of plants, it is for aquatic plants.
Although, for some strange reason they managed to get a few terrestrial plants in an Aquatic plant list. I do not think someone is doing their homework.

Originally Posted by JakeJ

I have to agree with the govornment that this is a problem that should be fixed, but banning these plants like this is very over reaching. The majority of the plants that would be banned that are popular among aquarists could, I believe adapt and thrive in Texas and other states, but completely banning them is not the way to go, as it is very unfare to the many who have kept plants responsibly. Why not have a cheap plant license? Where the plant purchaser would have to read sign something that makes them aware of the danger they pose and "makes" them agree to never release them into the wild.

But then again, there will always be the bad apple who will not listen.

the money being spent on this "white list" would be better spent on education of people wishing to care for these plants. I bet if you go and ask 10 people only a couple would know that this could potentially cause a problem. It is akin to banning driving because people get in accidents, instead of teaching people how to drive responsibly.

I would not doubt that Colorado would try to adapt this list, even though about 99% of these plants would die in our waters as soon as the first snow fell.

[hydrophyte]

What better way to encourage advocates for the environment than by cutting off contact with nature.

This law is a bad idea.

[RipariumGuy]

Originally Posted by Noahma

the money being spent on this "white list" would be better spent on education of people wishing to care for these plants. I bet if you go and ask 10 people only a couple would know that this could potentially cause a problem. It is akin to banning driving because people get in accidents, instead of teaching people how to drive responsibly.

[ukamikazu]

Meetings start today, guys. It doesn't matter how old you are or where you live, please send in those letters, e-mails and phone calls of support to the State House. This may influence your state in the future!

Thank you!

[hydrophyte]

I just spoke with Earl Chilton, TPWD's Exotic Vegetation Program Manager. He is a friendly and reasonable guy. You can find his phone number and email on this page...

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20101229b

Here are a few points that I raised.

• As they are, the new rules will prohibit trade in Texas of most aquarium plants.
• The new rules will discourage hobbyists and significantly impact the planted aquarium industry.
• A fish tank in the home, office or school might be the only daily contact with nature for many city dwellers, working people and children.
• A number of the inclusions in both the banned species list and the list of approved species seem to be arbitrarily or hastily assembled.

[barbarossa4122]

Does this mean that the over $3k I have spend so far goes to waste ?

[hydrophyte]

Earl Chilton told me that TPWD welcomes comments on this matter, so please call, write or email today.

[barbarossa4122]

If those j..ks made up their minds I, don't think it will matter what ever we do.

[hydrophyte]

Please call, write and/or email today!

[barbarossa4122]

Originally Posted by hydrophyte

Please call, write and/or email today!

I will.

[OverStocked]

Originally Posted by Noahma

The proposal is not for emersed forms of plants, it is for aquatic plants.
Although, for some strange reason they managed to get a few terrestrial plants in an Aquatic plant list. I do not think someone is doing their homework.



the money being spent on this "white list" would be better spent on education of people wishing to care for these plants. I bet if you go and ask 10 people only a couple would know that this could potentially cause a problem. It is akin to banning driving because people get in accidents, instead of teaching people how to drive responsibly.

I would not doubt that Colorado would try to adapt this list, even though about 99% of these plants would die in our waters as soon as the first snow fell.

The regulations effect specific species of plants, NOT distinquishing whether they are emersed or submersed. Emersed aquatic plants are still aquatic plants.

[hydrophyte]

The rules affect every kind of aquatic plant, including fully aquatic species and plants that grow as emergent marginals.

[Da Plant Man]

How do they even know about Hygrophila pinnatifida? As far as I know, it is going for about $20-$40 a stem right now! I almost wish it was invasive right now, then I can make lots of $$$. Some of those plants are rare, most only experienced people keep. Maybe if they were to simply make it so you have to pay a $10 fee to get a permit and watch a video that would at least not ruin LFS's and honest people who BURN their invasive plants. I know that most of you may think $10 for a permit and having to watch a video may not sound fun, but what if you can't get even that? What if you can't keep plants at all? We can't even keep a stem of a plant that isn't invasive in either the aquarium or in the wild....