REPORT ON SEPT 20 MONARCH RELEASE (fwd)

Neil Jones Neil at nwjones.demon.co.uk
Fri Sep 26 02:32:58 EDT 1997


As the original posting whihc this criticises was forwarded here I am copying
this also.


Forwarded message follows:

> From: Bob Flanders <bflanders at aphis.usda.gov>
> To: dplex-l at raven.cc.ukans.edu
> Subject: REPORT ON SEPT 20 MONARCH RELEASE -Reply
> 
> I am a bit concerned about this release!  Yes, I issued a USDA permit to
> move field-collected monarchs from California to Oregon for release as
> part of what was described as a special study on the migratory behavior
> of  monarchs.  I was not aware that it was going to be turned into a
> media event!  Except for research studies, I do not issue permits for
> interstate transport of field collected organisms to accomplish
> environmental releases.  As has been repeatedly discussed on this and
> several other list-servers, movement of field-collected materials for
> subsequent release raises too many questions concerning co-transport
> of diseases, parasites, genetically distinct subpopulations, etc.  I have no
> problem with collection and release of local materials, but increasingly
> common commercial field collections, interstate movements, and releases
> are causing a great deal of concern in scientific and regulatory circles. 
> In this particular example, how can the results of the tagging be analyzed
> when the adult monarchs have been artificially transported several
> hundred miles from their original, natural location?  Was this a legitimate
> scientific or educational endeavor?  Were the actual and potential risks
> acceptable relative to the apparent benefits?  I would certainly
> appreciate a discussion of these issues. 
> 
> The recent commercialization of such activities is now forcing USDA and
> several State Departments of Agriculture to reexamine their previous
> hands-off approach.   Under the Federal Plant Pest Act, USDA is now
> requiring permits for commercial shipments between States for all native
> butterflies, including the monarch. Information on permitting will be placed
> on our website at "http://aphis.usda.gov/ppq/bats/permits" during the
> next few weeks.
> 
> Robert V. Flanders, Ph.D.
> USDA APHIS PPQ
> Riverdale, MD  20737
> 
> 
> 

-- 
Neil Jones- Neil at nwjones.demon.co.uk "The beauty and genius of a work of art
may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a
vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last
individual of a race of living things breathes no more another heaven and
another earth must pass before such a one can be again." William Beebe


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