I have been involved with the marine aquarium hobby for over 30 years but I was not a hobbyist originally. I started working with marine culture work while still in college growing green water to feed bryozoans. After graduation, I spent my first year (1971) at the Florida Marine Research Lab as a field biologist on their research boat. I transferred to the mariculture department and worked on food culture (rotifers and copepods) and larval rearing for Macrobrachium shrimp, Pompano and Sea Bass.

At this time Martin Moe was just setting up his first operation across the bayou from the state lab. In 1974 Frank Hoff and I were hired to set up Neptunes Nurseries to raise marine tropical fish. It later was named Instant Ocean Hatcheries Inc. We commercially raised 9 species of clownfish, several hybrids and Neon Gobies for nearly 10 years but were not able to become profitable.

I went to work as Vice President of Aquarium Systems (Mentor Ohio) from 1984 to 1997 and was editor of SeaScope (1983-2002). In 1994 I started Anclote Aquaculture and obtained the second Live Rock Aquaculture lease from the state of Florida near Tarpon Springs, FL. This operation had high potential when Florida stopped wild harvest but was a victim of the Fiji live rock price wars.

Since 1997 I have worked as an aquatic consultant. I have a small lab for testing and a number of aquariums from 120 gallons down to numerous 10 and 20 gallon test tank systems. My main interests are water chemistry, filtration systems, lighting, and fish nutrition. I enjoy scuba diving when I find time. I play league volleyball in the winter and softball in the summer. My wife Terri and I have a large family with the most recent additions being triplets, who are five years old now and they keep us very busy.

ABSTRACT

"Global Warming: Reefs, Tanks and the World "

We will begin by reviewing many of the issues of global warming and suggested causes. This will include historical data on warming and cooling cycles, sea level changes, and effects on reefs, sea life, and humans in the past with comments about predictions for the future.

Next, we will review opinions as to what should or could be done about this complex problem touching on subjects such as; green house gases, energy sources, population control, agriculture, disease, wealth versus poverty, and pollution. Some of the predictions and dire consequences will be explored as well as the likely effects of proposed cures.

We will explore the pros and cons of “Being Green” and see how some “green” proposals may do more harm than good with emphasis on the issues of biogas, wind farms, nuclear energy, organic foods, and the unknowns of new technologies. Finally, as conscientious marine aquarists, we will look at where we fit in a green world.