This is one topic I really didn't want to continue the thread, preferring to
put it to rest as Barry had indicated. However, it had one element that I
thought others might want to consider.
With all the complexities and fees involved with fish importations; couldn't
the AKA explore the idea of establishing a committee or making a sub
committee
of New and Rare to form an umbrella group to do all the importing? The AKA
would pay all licenses and fees involved with importing fish and have
designated
regional representatives do the actual picking up of the shipment a number of
times a year. The volume could be broken down and re shipped to the affiliate
clubs participating in the importing. The AKA might even think of subsidizing
the cost of shipping (only charging for the fish themselves).
The benefits would be a greater amount of diversity of fish being bred and
later sold through F & E. With the MAKA club, we have an able and dedicated
person (Ralph L.) organizing box trade among affiliates, but being stymied in
really ordering from outside US sources, due to permits, large fees, etc.
Combining large orders from a number of affiliates would boost interest
(AKA absorbing
the freight cost would entice many affiliates). It would also strengthen
affiliate clubs that are new or have small memberships. The affiliates are
the
backbone of the AKA. Helping these outposts, helps the AKA overall.
A benefit that the AKA would achieve for the organization itself would be
that a govt. agency would be able to recognize the AKA as a legitimate
special
interest. The AKA could at some future time be able to influence or advise
the
US F&W or the Dept of Interior on matters relating to killies or fish in
general as a credible and expert authority. The AKA would rise above the
radar as a
serious organization; not just some collection of "fish nuts".
Well, that is my two cents; and with inflation factored in...still worth two
cents.
Michael R. # 03083
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