There is a new alarming trend in the shrimp hobby: Making a long-range trip and collecting shrimps in the original biotopes somewhere in Vietnam, Thailand or China.
While most travelers were simply asking if they were allowed to bring some ornamental shrimps or fish with them from holiday trips, it has now mounted in the question where and under which conditions one can catch invertebrates and bring them to another country.
Whereas professional shrimp importers and resellers tell you how complicated and expansive legal imports are some hobbyist’s tell stories of smuggling shrimps successfully in suitcases. The truth lies somewhere in between: It is possible to bring shrimps from overseas to e. g. Germany but you have to keep in mind the costumer and airline guidelines – and pay some extra fees sometimes. If you are a private shrimp keeper and want to act legal, just give your costumers a call and ask.
The upcoming shrimp collecting fever causes even more problems. While I was thrilled by reports on field trips in the past, I now think that nobody, even semi- or pseudo scientifics should be able to exploit missing regulations in Asian countries. Shrimp collecting and selling should be possible for commercials only, who have to stick to regulations and laws. Scientists should need official papers from their research departments.
When we were discussing the idea of an International Shrimp Association, many forum members in shrimpnow wanted to support the protection of wild shrimps in their natural habitats. That is the point we should focus on when buying, selling, keeping and breeding dwarf shrimp. Earning money and raising reputation is not everything….
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