> Why do I keep Native Fish at all, when I can observe them outside
 > for free...
 > Hmm...Where to start ...First off I really cant observe and study
 > fish in meaningfull  any way except through the Aquarium. I can
 > only see from above and by their Nature Fish are very good at
 > avoiding being observed from above..
 > .The Second reason is conservation..Are you aware that almost
 > nothing is known about the rearing and breeding habits of most non
 > game fish ? Are you aware that every year on this continent an
 > amature fish head is likley to discover a new species ? Are you
 > aware that in the past 20 years almost 100 North American Native
 > Fish species have become extinct and in almost every case they
 > could have been saved by a single guy with a fish room and
 > knowledge of the rearing of those fish...I know of people who keep
 > endangered species in their basement spawn them and release the
 > young every year to the original sight...A single act with eternal
 > consequences as they say....
 > .Finally I love the outdoors and I know that other people won't
 > care about the outdoors until they know it , and they won't know
 > it until they see it and they wont see our fishes looking aT  the
 > top of a pond or creek they will however  be able to see them
 > through an article with photo's or an aquarium show or by visiting
 > someone keeping North American Natives....In the end we will only
 > preserve what we love and will only love what we know !!!
 > Thats why I do it....So someday my Grandkids can..
Elequentely said.
Sometimes we must 'play the devils' avocate.  Perhaps this will entice others 
to assist you in your efforts.     My efforts in this area has always been 
fighting to protect the native environment.  We have set aside about 2/3rs of 
our land (not much) to keep it 'natural' and try to assist and be involved in 
ways to keep the wild , wild were possible. And where not to get the 'laws' 
to include the right of the (as the british say) lesser animals.
Do you have 'internet' Access? I'd like to invite you to join us as we for 
the Aquarium - Echo on the Internet.
--- FMail 1.02
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