Rising Threat to Coral Reefs: Illegal Trafficking of Coral Species on the Rise

Trafficking of tiny coral animals threatens reefs worldwide, with the United States as the primary market for this illegal trade.

Throughout the world, the illegal trafficking of corals has become a concerning issue, endangering the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and threatening the existence of numerous species. Often underestimated, the illicit trade of corals poses a significant threat to the sustainability of tropical reefs and the diverse marine life they support.

An Unseen Danger

Unlike commonly known animal goods such as elephant ivory or tiger skins, corals, which are tiny invertebrates forming the foundation of tropical reefs, are frequently targeted by marine life traffickers. These traffickers remove corals from reefs in various locations such as Indonesia, Fiji, Tonga, Australia, and the Caribbean, and then smuggle them around the world by packing them into small baggies of seawater to be shipped in large quantities. The illegal shipment of coral species, often concealed within legal shipments, has been increasingly intercepted at American ports of entry, indicating a growing trend in the illicit coral trade.

Underlying Threats to Coral Reefs

Corals play a crucial role in filtering water and providing habitats for a wide range of ocean life. However, their existence is jeopardized by threats such as disease outbreaks, bleaching events, ocean acidification, warming seas, sediment and nutrient runoff from human activities, cyanide fishing, and tourist-related damage. Even in areas where corals remain healthy, they are targeted by traffickers, who then distribute the animals to aquarium enthusiasts in wealthy countries, often unaware of the illegal origin of the corals.

The Scale of the Issue

According to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, corals were the third-most confiscated wildlife group globally between 1999 and 2018, accounting for 14.6 percent of all seizures. Of particular concern is the significant role of the United States in the illicit coral trade, with marine corals being identified as the primary market for illegal trafficking.

Legal Protections and Restrictions

Recognizing the severity of the threat to coral species, the United States has taken measures to protect endangered or threatened coral species under the Endangered Species Act. More than 25 coral species are currently considered endangered or threatened, and therefore, are protected by federal law. Additionally, the international community has imposed trade restrictions on about 1,900 coral species through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, including black corals, red and pink corals, blue corals, stony corals, organ pipe corals, and fire corals.

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