Posted on 09/29/2005 8:08:29 PM PDT by F14 Pilot
Cohiba cigars move over: the new gift of choice between wealthy American gourmets with a penchant for illegal luxuries may soon become beluga caviar.
From today, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is suspending imports of beluga sturgeon caviar and meat from the Caspian sea basin, including Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The decision comes after those countries failed to submit laws and plans for conserving the species, which was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act last year. Black Sea countries, which also produce beluga caviar, could face similar measures in the future.
Conservationists applauded the decision. Caviar Emptor, a coalition of organisations calling for tougher controls, said the ban would “provide much-needed relief” for the fish, especially as the US is the world's largest importer of belugacaviar.
“The US has set an important example for the rest of the world to follow,” said Lisa Speer, from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
But Armen Petrossian, one of the biggest and best known purveyors of caviar, warned that the decision could merely push the trade underground, adding that it was already possible to buy illicit caviar over the internet.
That said, Mr Petrossian believed existing stocks of beluga should last for the Christmas period, and said customers were already becoming more au fait with the many other varieties of caviar on offer.
Beluga, for example, was perfect for “a very intimate 11 o'clock meeting with your girlfriend, to have with your champagne”, he explained. But “an Iranian Ossetra will also be very sensual and replace that without any problem”.
He added: “My reaction is on the principle. Why ban something, and run the risk of a black market developing? I think that's what will happen like Cuban cigars.”
Ellen Pickitch, from the Pew Institute for Ocean Science, said she “absolutely disagreed”. Enforcement measures had been working to good effect, she said and believed it “would be difficult for the market to adjust to losing its biggest importer overnight.”
She added: “If things continue to worsen perhaps a ban should be extended to other species and go global.”
Oh the humanity! What will we do now? No worries though, I'm sure John effed Kerry will continue to get his Beluga Caviar.
Something tells me that the kind of folks who like beluga caviar will have no trouble getting it.
Forget caviar. Smoked sturgeon is delish!
SSSShhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! You weren't supposed to tell!!!!!!!!
Wonderful idea.
The US government just created a black market for those wealthy enough to buy beluga sturgeon caviar at an increased price.
Well, that's it. No more beluga caviar for me. Anyway, the orange ones in the bait and tackle shop are cheaper.
I believe they are trying to raise some beluga in Florida these days. But you're right, they used to give away caviar in saloons 100 years ago. There are far less expensive substitutes -- like paddlefish roe -- that are pretty good.
CAVIAR EMPTOR
exactly!
"Ellen Pickitch, from the Pew Institute for Ocean Science, added: “If things continue to worsen perhaps a ban should be extended to other species and go global.”"
Just who does she think she is? The Sturgeon General??
Just creates a market for the Black Market and the government ends up with zero taxes.
OK, please excuse my ignorance. What legal power, exactly, does the US Fish and Wildlife Service have to regulate the import of foodstuffs?
By order of the Sturgeon General?
I love caviar...I even like the cheap caviar that you buy in your local grocery store. Mix it with cream cheese and dip your celery in it..YUMMY!!!!
Diplomatic pouch.
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