If corals are to have a chance of survival, there must be meaningful action taken at the international and domestic policy levels. There are many existing policy mechanisms that could be used to improve coral conservation. We encourage citizens and corporations to get involved at all levels of the policy process to pass measures that protect corals. Currently, there are two political instruments that can have the most immediate benefit for corals. An Appendix II listing with CITES will improve monitoring and trade information for red corals used in the jewelry trade. A strong Coral Reef Conservation Act will help protect all corals located within or being imported into the United States.
CITES Appendix II Listing on Red Coral
Of all the deep sea species, red coral represents the largest and most valuable market, with an estimated 30-50 metric tons per year. Seven red coral species are traded worldwide as jewelry and other decorative products. Yet no mechanisms are in place to monitor and control this environmentally harmful trade.
The Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) provides a powerful tool for improving environmental management without discouraging ecologically-sound trade. An Appendix II listing under the CITES regulatory framework gives both producer and consumer countries the responsibility to ensure that the coral trade is sustainable. It is important to continue to urge the CITES member countries to take coral conservation seriously and pass an Appendix II listing of red coral at the next Conference of Parties in Qatar in 2010.
The U.S. Coral Reef Conservation Act
In the United States, the Coral Reef Conservation Act (CRCA) has been awaiting congressional reauthorization since 2005. The 2007 versions of the CRCA that are currently in front of the U.S. Congress provide modest funding for conservation and scientific research. There are also minor changes in governance to improve cooperation between agencies.
However, new additions to the CRCA could take a stronger position on issues such as climate change and overfishing, and include substantive measures to monitor trade of coral items. The CRCA and other government programs need to support sufficient funding for these activities as well as for ongoing scientific research.
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