Robert Wintner gives an insider’s view of the fishes he knows on Hawaii’s coral reefs. He reveals to “The WildLife” host Laurel Neme why Hawaii’s coral reefs are so special, how the marine aquarium trade threatens their future, and how Maui County’s recent legislation could lessen the negative impact. Did you know the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, a prime target for the aquarium trade, sets up “cleaning stations” on the reef, akin to service stations on American highways? Reef fish then wait their turns for this unusual fish to remove its parasites and other debris. Unfortunately, once the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse is removed from its natural habitat, it rarely survives and other fish suffer.
Robert Wintner is owner of Snorkel Bob shops in the state of Hawaii, Executive Director of the Snorkel Bob Foundation and an advocate to protect Hawaii reefs. He is also the author of several books, including the most recent, Some Fishes I Have Known, a photo essay that provides an intimate look at a vast array of creatures of the coral reef. The Snorkel Bob Foundation focuses on near shore reefs, and Wintner has been the lead advocate for eliminating and/or regulating the aquarium trade in Hawaii. From 2007 to 2010, he led legislative campaigns at the Hawaii State Capitol and in Maui County, which brought the plunder from aquarium trade into the light of day. However, with what he sees as a grim reality of empty reefs facing the people of Hawaii, Wintner will continue his legislative efforts. This episode of “The WildLife” aired on The Radiator, WOMM-LP, 105.9 FM in Burlington, Vermont on October 11, 2010.
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The WildLife: The Dark Side of New Species Discovery, Bryan Stuart
The WildLife: Aquarium Trade in Hawaii, Rene Umberger
The WildLife: Botswana's First Wildlife Vet, Steve Osofsky
The WildLife: Wildlife Biologist Adventures, Susan Jewell
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The WildLife: Field Vet in Patagonia, Marcela Uhart
The WildLife: Simple Things to Help Wildlife, Mark Fraser
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The WildLife: Seahorses, Helen Scales
The WildLife: Elephant Trauma & Psychology, Gay Bradshaw
The WildLife: Detection Dogs for Wildlife Conservation, Megan Parker
The WildLife: Reindeer, Nancy Bazilchuk
The WildLife: Tapirs & Saving Scarlet Macaws, Sharon Matola, Part 2
The WildLife: Belize Zoo & Jaguar Rehabilitation, Sharon Matola, Part 1
The WildLife: Manatee Insanity, Craig Pittman
The WildLife: Orangutan Rehabilitation, Michelle Desilets, Part II
The WildLife: Orangutans, Michelle Desilets, Part I
The WildLife: Wildlife Filmmaking, Chris Palmer
The WildLife: Special Agent Basics - Training for Wildlife Law Enforcement, Sheila O'Connor, Part II
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