Quality Marine Partners with Habitattitude

Quality Marine is pleased to announce a partnership with Habitattitude to promote industry and public awareness of invasive species and to encourage behavior which prevents their introduction. Accidental and intentional introduction of non-native invasive species is a worldwide concern. Aquarium industry operators and the hobbyist consumers should know that they share a responsibility to prevent the introduction of any of a variety of marine and freshwater aquarium organisms which could become established in local environments. By learning more about the facts, concerns and preventative measures, individuals can act responsibly and encourage others to do the same.

Habitattitude is about consumer awareness and responsible behaviors. By drawing attention to the potential environmental ramifications of the aquarium and water garden hobbies while promoting responsible consumer behaviors, Habitattitude avoids the definition debate surrounding "invasive species." Ultimately, the campaign seeks to eliminate the transfer and survival of any species outside of your enclosed, artificial system, which has the potential to cause the loss or decline of native plants and animals.

A concern we must all address is the expansion of harmful plants, fish and other animals throughout our country. Representing one of our greatest natural resource challenges, stopping the spread of these species appears simplistic, but global economic linkages complicate the issue. A variety of commercial and governmental activities have accidentally introduced aquatic invasive species and various aquatic resource users and consumers unknowingly spread them to other waters. If these species become established, they can wreak environmental havoc, degrade aquatic resources and make waters unusable for recreation.

This issue is relevant to everyone, but especially to those who enjoy aquaria, backyard ponds and water gardens. Increased scrutiny on our activities and their perceived linkages with the growing challenge known as invasive species requires us to show how we value and protect the environment.

If you have acquired an undesirable aquatic plant or fish species for your aquarium or water garden, it is important not to release these plants or animals into the environment. While most of these organisms will die, some may be able to survive. And a smaller number of those that do survive have the potential to create negative impacts on our natural environment and our wallets and misperceptions about our hobbies.

So, if you are faced with the situation of having an undesirable species, what can you do? By choosing between several alternatives, you can properly dispose of these unwanted aquatic plants or fish.

For much more information and to sign-up for an emailed newsletter, please visit the Habitattitude website.