Umberger to discuss aquarium collection
MAALAEA — Rene Umberger will give a free talk, “Aquarium Collection in Hawaii,” today, Thursday, Sept. 17, at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center in Maalaea (next to Maui Ocean Center).
Umberger, a scuba instructor, underwater tour guide and Maui Nui Marine Resource Council member, said the collection of fish from local reefs to fill the demand created by hobby aquarists is largely unregulated, leading to collection at unsustainable levels in some areas.
Umberger will discuss the threats posed by such collection to reef ecosystems, as well as development of laws to regulate collection.
Open to the public, the event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Call Pacific Whale Foundation at 249-8811 for information.