The operative word is your first one, Tony...maybe. I am just afraid that
like everything else that becomes commercialized we will see intentional
breeding for various mutations. It can even be found in the ostrich raising
industry where attempts were made in Indiana to breed "dwarf" ostriches to
appeal to those who wanted to keep one in their backyards!!! I can see
someone developing dwarf muskies for the aquarium trade as well as all of
the possible color morphs. Would those fish be considered natives? No!!!
Would those individuals who kept such mutants know anything about the truly
natural world? I don't think most would!! I do agree that ethics are
important in preventing this from happening but I don't think that we can
rely on the ethics of the many to assure the few don't screw things up.
Rob Denkhaus
FWNC&R
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