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Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V2 #1091
Subject: Prohibited aquatic plants
> If a species is not on this list, it's legal in Texas. Otherwise, you
> need a permit, and we often grant permits for water hyacinth for use
> in water treatment plants.
>
> Sounds like different philosophies of lawmaking. We manage by
> *exclusion*, meaning we specifically list those species that are
> prohibited, while NH apparently manages by *inclusion*, meaning they
> list those species that are allowed. I believe the Texas philosophy
> is simpler.
This is the smart way to do it. It's also enforceable, and doesn't beg
people to ignore the law. I think most consciencious aquarists are also
concerned about protecting out native waterways. Introduced speceis are a
_real_ problem. Even here in Massachusetts, most of the aquatic plants on
the threatened or endangered list are there because they've been forced out
by non-native introductions. We should _all_ be careful not to allow the
contents of our aquariums, even if it's just bacteria or algae spores, to
enter surface waters.
But bad legislation will not help the matter, and as Susan mentioned, it
does _nothing_ to stop the _real_ problem here in the Northeast, which is
the transfer of plant material on boat propellers, etc. I wish N.H.
_would_ take a tip from Texas' law!
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Karen Randall
Aquatic Gardeners Association