This is wild! New Atoll Org Plan for Hobbyists

[Matt Rogers]

Got a letter from the administrator of the Atoll Organization that I have to share with you all after I got permission! *

Background: The Atoll Organization is an ambitious group that is trying to raise money to buy islands in the Caribbean in order to protect the coral reefs around them. As a donator, you become a part owner and are even allowed to visit the island. As if this isn't enough, check out their new plan for reefers like us below!! *

Hi Matt

Many thanks for adding the Atoll Reef Organization's link to your site. Currently we are in the process of changing this company from a nonprofit to a 'for profit' corporation. *The reason for this is that we would like to cultivate none-reef areas around the islands and for the marine aquarium hobby. *Corals will be fragged and set on base rock in shallow barren areas. Once these have grown, they will be given away free to hobbyists who make a donation. Members need only pay for the shipping. *The remainder will be sold to the trade. This also applies to other invertebrates cultivated in the same way. We also intend to activate a fish-breeding program in suitable areas. *This will take the strain off the natural reefs. *Twenty-two years ago I started an artificial reef in the South China Sea using land-based rock. It was the first in the world. *Now it is a coral garden, so I know it can be done!

Since this incorporated company is relatively new, we do not have enough money to buy the first island. But we are getting there! *We do not ask for a donation in the conventional way -- we only ask for a pledge, however small. Once we have enough 'pledges of money' to buy the first island, the people/companies who made the pledges will be asked to pay within 28 days.

Island unit membership certificates will be issued to those persons who have accumulated donations of $500. There is no limit to how long this takes or how many are issued to one person. Free food and accommodation on one or more of the islands will be available for a minimum at least once to those who own certificates. *However, this is not a time-share scam and visits will be strictly controlled to prevent any ecological impact.

Simply put, if you eventually own an island certificate ($500), you are effectively part owner of one or more Caribbean islands. *It's like giving to charity, but instead of getting tax relief you get a free visit (you pay your own air-fare), a conducted tour of the program and, once the propogation program is underway, free corals, invertebrates and fishes!

Once again, we are not asking for donations, only pledges of donations. We do not expect that any donations will be called forward until this time next year. *If you wish to participate, please e-mail me a pledge (minimum $10) along with your name and address and your name will be added to our website list of participants. You can add to this at any time.

Kind regards
Vincent

Vincent B. Hargreaves Ph.D.
Administrator
The Atoll Reef Organization
20125 Tarawild Court
Prunedale, CA 93907

WoW! What do you think about that?

More info:
http://www.atollreef.org/

[Birdlady]

Hmmmm....interesting and creative!

[Craig Manoukian]

I'm in Matt! Thanks for going the extra mile!

[Craig Manoukian]

Thanks for the link Matty?

[Gresham]

Huh, interesting. I wonder how their going to address the CITES permits to enter the coral into the US. I've emailled them about it, I'll post when I recieve a response.

[Matt Rogers]

Yeah seems like a lot of legal hurdles, but I hope it all works out for them. Be interesting to follow. I invited Vincent to participate in the discussion. Hopefully he will find time to do so.

[rayjay]

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't

[Gresham]

He/they have yet to respond to my emial querie about the legal issues. Doesn't look good when someone is asking for millions, yet can't answer an email promptly.

[fletch]

Sounds a little fishy to me [smiley=hehe.gif]... John

[Craig Manoukian]

They said they were only interested in pledges and would not collect the money until a deal is ready. This is a measure of insurance. The legal questions ar important so I will wait to see if they respond.