MICRO-LOBSTER TEAM REPORT #3 - JULY 2004

         NOTE:   Just as we researched True Indoor Bonsai and invited our customers to participate, Micro-Lobster research is being conducted publicly and is progressing rapidly! But there are additional complex factors involved including preservation and restoration of anchialine ponds, getting clearance to use rotenone to remove alien predator fish, developing a community consensus, creating public policy, basic opae-ula research, etc.   Initially, the Micro-Lobster Team included only Fuku-Bonsai business associates,   public and private aquaculture researchers, and customers who expressed an interest and commitment to participate.   However, it has become increasingly difficult to produce two major newsletters for two groups and the Micro-Lobster Team newsletter is being consolidated into the Fuku-Bonsai's larger circulation FBnews mailing list to share all news with everyone. 

To review a copy of the 2nd Micro-Lobster Team Newsletter

of March 2004,  go to www.fukubonsai/M-L6a1.html

            ____________________________________________________________________

 

ALOHA! In just the few months since the last report, there has been extraordinary progress!

I.  ASSURING THE FUTURE EXISTENCE OF OPAE-ULA!  

          Under this very broad goal, we've made some progress as there has been an EPA ruling that the Federal Pesticide Label Act takes precedence over the Clean Water Act which only comes into play if there is a fish kill discharge. Under limited circumstances, rotenone can be used to remove alien predator fish provided it is applied by certified applicators in fresh water ponds. For more information, contact the Pesticide Division of Hawaii State Department of Agriculture. The DLNR-DAR survey is also finding or confirming opae-ula where they were not previously known.  So although we continue to loose natural habitats, there are huge stocks of opae-ula in the watertable especially on the Big Island,  but also under other islands. A case can be constructed to remove them from consideration as an endangered specie. We are addressing assurance of opae-ula in the future by ALL of the following:

         REPRODUCTION RESEARCH.  Thomas Iwai of DLNR-DAR has made impressive findings and we look forward to his formal publication.  In parallel,  significant reports from others in the Fuku-Bonsai Micro-Lobster Team are being forwarded to Tom to support or raise issues that his paper could address.  The outstanding individual contribution has been by David Chung whose report is posted at www.fukubonsai.com/M-L9c.html     Mahalo David!

          RESTORING OR BUILDING NEW ANCHIALINE PONDS.  Silt and alien fish removal has been difficult.  There are increasing alliances amongst individuals in West Hawaii but to date, there are no known efforts to restore East Hawaii ponds.  Dr. Richard Brock advises additional research and efforts to create new manmade ponds far from existing ponds as an alternative to restoring existing ponds.  While it would seem costly, this will avoid having to remove alien fish and accumulated bottom silt. There are relatively few such manmade ponds.  Some that were initially successful have already been compromised and alien fish have appeared.  If you have had first-hand success,   please contact me to share your information and experience.

          SUSTAINABLE HARVESTING RESEARCH.  Fuku-Bonsai is seeking to conduct research on pristine private ponds to develop criteria and guidelines as to the quantities that can be harvested on a sustainable basis without depleting the resource. Interviews with native Hawaiian fishing families indicate that substantial amounts can be harvested on a sustainable basis. We are contacting private pond owners and request assistance to locate pristine ponds. 

          MASS CULTURE SYSTEMS.  In the absence of sufficient sustainable harvesting of natural ponds, mass culture captive breeding is the primary long-term future source of opae-ula.  Recent research has added significant knowledge.  If you have experience and knowledge and are interested in collaborating with Fuku-Bonsai, please contact me.  Unless and until there is a solid long-term source of opae-ula, efforts to incorporate opae-ula into educational institutions will be limited. 

II.  TO ENHANCE OPAE-ULA GOVERNMENTAL (AND PRIVATE) PRIORITY

          In the past few months,  there has been an understanding that government will participate primarily in research and being resources.  Much of the incentive to preserve the anchialine ponds are due to Hawaii County Planning Department Special Management Area agreements, State Land Use, Corps of Engineer regulations, etc. that allowed development.  Some developers want to do the minimum required while others meet and exceed both the letter and spirit of the requirements. Preserving anchialine ponds does not necessarily mean establishing opae-ula habitats as the ponds can and are being converted to fish ponds.

          The team goal is being modified to enhance and increase private opae-ula priority.   Contact with the hotel-resorts have been satisfying and we are setting the groundwork to inform and educate the revolving Mainland executive management who are not familiar with opae-ula. However, they are very well aware of Hawaiian cultural sensitivity and recognize it is counter-productive to present opposition.  Our challenge is to find cost-effective ways to achieve our goals without creating major expenses for them.

         A third class of major players are the Hawaiian royal trusts as they are the stewards of the fee land ownership and Hawaiian culture.  While some programs are limited to those of Hawaiian ancestry, there are some broad areas where their participation will provide win-win benefits for all. This includes Queen Liliuokalani Trust and Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate.

III.  TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC

         Fuku-Bonsai has begun to make contact with the West Hawaii visitor industry and there is significant interest by visitors who know that Hawaii has more endangered species than anywhere else and that Hawaii is conservation minded. Education will begin with the visitor industry. But much of today's problems are due to local residents having a lack of knowledge about opae-ula. I recommend following the strategy used thirty years ago to build awareness of HONU, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. Then there was a rapidly decreasing population. Now there are large established breeding colonies and the general recognition that this has been one of the truly great conservation success stories.  We are developing opae-ula materials to begin penetrating educational institutions and create an awareness of opae-ula amongst Hawaii's children.  Our challenge is to replace the current emphasis on commercialization and exploitation of opae-ula and to establish it as a beloved Hawaiian pet to be nurtured and protected.

HONOLULU ADVERTISER ARTICLE BY JAN TENBRUGGENCATE:     "Hawaii's Little Red       Shrimp are a Hot Item" Photo by John C. Hoover, author of HAWAII'S SEA CREATURES.

I've enjoyed the writings of science and environmental newspaper writer Jan TenBruggencate.  So I was delighted with his March 1, 2004 article. I received permission to reprint or reproduce and it is posted on this website at www.fukubonsai.com/M-L6c.html         The article introduced the beginnings of a new Hawaiian niche export industry and includes some information about our competition.  While there's a limited amount about the distinctions between the products,  I believe that those visiting our two websites or seeing the products side by side will draw their own conclusions.  The two companies are clearly focusing on the opposite ends of the market. The article brought enthusiastic feedback from several nice people who have joined the Micro-Lobster Team!

IV.  TO CREATE AN EXEMPLARY ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

         If opae-ula are to become a national and international cultural, educational, and economic factor, we must develop sufficient supplies and an industry where participants can earn satisfaction and economic returns. We have completed addressing the export regulations of a value-added product and recommend against opae-ula being just a first stage commodity.   On a long-term basis,  in spite of the high risks, there will be a need for mass cultural systems. Efforts must be prudent as there is a lot of truth that to make a small fortune in aquaculture, begin with a large fortune! We are exploring several economic win-win partnerships.

V.   TO FORM A PUBLIC-PRIVATE TASK FORCE AND PARTNERSHIPS

         Fuku-Bonsai is a private corporation with inherent conflicts of interests and it is, therefore, not appropriate for me to lead such an organization. However, unless and until a less encumbered community leader emerges, we will continue to act in both our private interests as well as attempt to best serve the public interest.  The goal is to bring together all interested parties into finding solutions. If anyone is willing and able to handle this role, please contact me!

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

           Each month, I'm increasing conflicts of interests as Fuku-Bonsai continues to make progress and expand marketing.   Yet, these same contacts allow me to seek increased public benefits! I invite individuals who are willing and able to take over my public benefit role.  It may be time to create an opae-ula community advocacy group to help build an industry and to coordinate the activities of governmental resources, visitor industry, private hobbyists, and those with commercial interests. 

          By merging those who expressed interest in being a part of the Fuku-Bonsai Micro-Lobster Team with Fuku-Bonsai's customers,  there will be a shake out of those not interested in other Fuku-Bonsai activities. Please notify me if you prefer to be removed from this mailing list. 

         Relatively few people know and understand that opae-ula has been commercialized for over 20 years and are already being exported internationally as commodities. Unfortunately, the business is controlled by non-Hawaiian companies and the "miracle shrimp" are not identified as opae-ula. Isn't it more appropriate that it contribute to Hawaii's economy? Fuku-Bonsai believes so and is focusing upon value-added export or sale to Hawaii visitors as an item that can be handcarried to all parts of the United States, Japan, and Canada. 

         We've made major progress and I look forward to your continuing input and participation!

         ~~~David W. Fukumoto, president& founder, Fuku-Bonsai Inc.

               david@fukubonsai.com      (July 24, 2004)