You're wrong. Unsustainable fisheries are a grave danger to the reefs. But not nearly as grave as pollution from agriculture, ports/shipping lanes and waste treatment plants right next to reefs, but that's another topic.
It is very sad the state in which the Bangaii Cardinal species is in, fortunately because of the aquarium industry we now captive breed them and therefore could restore their populations. I know many would like to see aquariums banned. I understand the reasoning; however, what those who believe that fail to realize is if it weren't for us there would have been no funding to progress the science and create the equipment to learn about corals and fish.
Why is this important? Two reasons: Aquariums introduce millions of people to these animals who otherwise would never think about them. These people learn to appreciate this life, change their habits that effect the reefs. When they read stories of the condition of our reefs they get angry, sad, many try to help in beach cleanups, stop using fertilizers, etc. For most people who don't have interaction or who aren't exposed to these animals they read an article about the condition of our reefs and say, "That sucks." And move on about their day, never thinking about it again.
Second, we are the worlds coral seed bank. Once the people/politicians have allowed the reefs to become extinct from the aforementioned reasons, who do you think is going to replenish the reefs once those problems have been cured? You guessed it... The aquarium industry. Hell, right now today many corals are traded through home propagation. We are breeding cardinal fish, damsel/clownfish, angelfish, tangs, sharks, crustaceans and corals, etc.. None of this would be possible without the aquarium industry's drive to learn about these animals, create products to house and breed them, create medicines to treat sick animals, etc.
So, before you make a blanket condemnation statement like "Aquariums are a grave danger to the reefs.", think about that and do some more research. As with any fishery, sustainable practices work. Hawaii is a perfect example of that. I am glad to see the Bangaii Cardinal will eventually be protected, I just hope the NOAA and the ESA language exempts captive breeding and domestic trade as that may be the only hope to prevent the species from going extinct.
Furthermore, because I have a love for marine life and do amazing things, which you say loses credibility with you... your response is, "I will not support the over havesting of Blue Hippo Tangs." My lord, how laughable.
