The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But The Truth: Art Parola, Fish Lawyer, Discusses Industry Challenges
Aquarium hobbyists enjoy buying and keeping a wide variety of animals and plants. But most fishkeepers are unaware of the many current legal issues that can negatively impact the industry. My guest today, Art Parola, is a long-time hobbyist, the President of the US Aquarium Association - among many other duties - and a fish lawyer! Join us, as Attorney Art shares his love of fish - and his legal efforts to support the aquarium fish industry
Listen to Episode #102 Now:
BIO:
Art Parola has been an avid fish keeper since he was 8 years old. At 15, he began working at a local fish shop and became active in his local aquarium society. He had a small fish room where he kept and bred many species until he left for the University of Louisville for college. Recognizing the legislative and regulatory challenges facing aquarium hobbyists and the wider pet industry, Art decided to go to law school at the University of Kentucky to acquire the necessary skills to protect the hobby and industry that he loved. During law school, he completed two summer clerkships in Washington, D.C. Art is now an attorney who holds several roles. He is the Director of Policy and Strategy for the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK). He serves as an advisor to the Pet Advocacy Network (PAN). He leads the CITES Engagement Program for the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). He is the President of the United States Aquarium Association (USAQUA). When not engaged in legal work, Art takes time to visit fishers and aquaculture facilities around the world to observe current practices to understand how legislation and regulation might affect the hobby and industry in the future and takes graduate courses in aquaculture and fish health at the University of Florida.