Countries Urged To Protect Red And Pink Coral

Countries Urged To Protect Red And Pink Coral As International Wildlife Trade Meeting Begins

DOHA, QATAR—SeaWeb’s Vice President for Science Initiatives Kristian Teleki issued the following statement today as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 15th Conference of Parties convenes for two weeks to decide the level of trade protection for red and pink coral (Coralliidae), bluefin tuna and several species of sharks:

“Today marks the beginning of what could be a watershed moment for marine conservation. Countries will consider red and pink corals, bluefin tuna and several species of sharks for international trade protection during the course of the next two weeks in Doha. Red and pink corals, which are long-lived and slow growing, have been used for centuries in jewelry and home décor. After years of ineffective management and overexploitation, these animals are facing their last chance to receive meaningful protection under CITES. An Appendix II listing would ensure that any trade in red and pink coral is sustainable and would require exporting countries to prove that it is so. SeaWeb urges international governments to join with the United States and European Union to give red and pink corals—and the industries and people that depend upon these ocean resources—the protection they need in order to survive.”

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