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.
The WildLife: Dung Beetle Adventures, Part II, Doug Emlen
The WildLife: Dung Beetles & Weaponry, Part I, Doug Emlen
The WildLife: Whooping Cranes, Matt Mendenhall
The WildLife: Moon Bear Farming & Rescue, Jill Robinson
The WildLife: Sun Bears, Siew Te Wong
The WildLife: Mongabay.com, Rhett Butler
The WildLife: Corals & Coral Reefs, Kristian Teleki
The WildLife: Illegal Reptile Trade, Bryan Christy
The WildLife: Domestic Asian Elephants in Thailand, John Roberts
The WildLife: Orangutans & Conservation Approaches Part II, Michelle Desilets
The WildLife: Orangutans Part I, Michelle Desilets & Shawn Thompson
The WildLife: Killer Whales & Vocalizations, Ari Daniel Shapiro
The WildLife: Wildlife Friendly Certification, Julie Stein & Elephant Seal Update, C. Heinrichs
The WildLife: Tiger trade & farming, Grace Ge Gabriel
The WildLife: Illegal Parrot Trade in Mexico & CITES, Juan Carlos Cantu
The Wildlife: Wildlife Health, Steve Osofsky, Part II
The WildLife: Wildlife Veterinarian in Botswana, Steve Osofsky, Part I
The WildLife: Wild Cats, Lisa Tekancic & Creature Call Contest Answers
The Wildlife: Amphibian Trade, Alejandra Goyenechea
The Wildlife: Wildlife Biologist Adventures, Susan Jewell
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