Copy: InsectNet.com Newsletter, 'The Law and You', 6/12/2000

[Clark]

InsectNet.com Newsletter, 'The Law and You.' 6/12/2000

Dear Insect Traders,

Many of us long time insect collectors have complained about the current
laws and regulations concerning trade in insect specimens. What happened to
the good ol' days when you could buy, sell and collect freely just about any
bug? And who would care? Those days are gone, my friends. The current
wildlife laws, especially in the United States, are much more restrictive
than they were, say, back in the 70's and enforcment has been stepped up. It
seems unfair that the government is trying to curtail our beloved hobby that
harms no one, especially since insects are the most successful life form on
earth, despite the activities of collectors. However, I believe that these
regulations, as frustrating as they may be, are probably for the greater
good.

Therefore, I am urging all insect traders to sit down and have a frank
discussion with your local US Fish & Wildlife agent (or equivalent in other
countries) about any regulations that may affect your trading practices.
Also, for those shipping live insects across state borders, you will need to
contact the US Dept. of Agriculture for information and permits. Make sure
you are in compliance. Yes, it is extra work and expense do be in compliance
and you may have to eliminate some species from your price lists but in the
end you will be better off. Consider the future of your insect business.
Only those traders who are in compliance with the laws will be left standing
in the end.

InsectNet.com does not endorse illegal trade in endangered or protected
species. Furthermore, I can't scrutinize every post and transaction that is
made via the InsecNet pages. Participants must be responsible to inform
themselves and comply with the current wildlife trading regulations. Please
follow the links in the 'Policy' section of InsectNet.com for more
information. Again, the best thing to do is talk to your local US Fish &
Wildlife office. Tell them what you want to do, be in compliance, and then
proceed with confidence.

Remember that the government invented the Internet. You can be sure that
they are monitoring Internet traffic for illegal trade in wildlife. Need I
say more?

Sincerely,

- Clark Thompson, webmaster
http://www.insectnet.com