I think most people here know how I feel about this
Its something that I think most people like to keep out of mind. This is a very, very selfish hobby and extremely damaging to the oceans that are destroyed by collectors. But as I have said so many times, I know this, it disturbs me, saddens me but apparently I am still selfish enough to continue to do it. I try not to be hypocritical about it but I catch myself all the time
The thing is, if you see as I have, the carnage left behind by many collectors overseas, you will have a whole new outlook on where your fish have come from and what they have been through. Apparently 2/3 of the hobbies fish come from the Philippines and an estimated 3/4 of those are cyanide caught
I think obviously something needs to be done on the collection side of things. Regulations need to be enforced and made tougher. Wholesalers need to care more. Retailers need to care more. And we all need to care more. Don't buy species that have low survival rates...we all know what species these are but I see them in LFS all the time and they sell each time.
I think another big problem is when people start in this hobby, they often kill many fish before figuring things out. I know I did. This needs to stop somehow. LFS need to be able to say no to people but of course LFS owners are not going to allow their employees to do this...
And it goes on and on. Its a business and stores need to make money but I think if you are going to get into this business, part of the responsibility you have is to care...or perhaps you should open a Clothing shop where you can just think money alone with no regard to where your product is going.