In total, 22 species of coral are now protected under the Endangered Species Act

[BBQHILLBILLY]

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/2014/08/corals_listing.html

[Dkray944]

This is very interesting.... Thanks for sharing

[alton]

The biggest problem is some liberal judge will ban selling, transporting of these corals and since most are considered a general family of listing it will take in corals it was not designed to? Is what I have since 2003 Euphyllia paradivisa or Euphyllia divisa? Who will make that determination, one is illegal, the other is legal. Look at the problems Oryx rancher ran into years ago. We keep forgetting there are a bunch of snorkel bobs in the world today who think our hobby is bad!

[jcnkt_ellis]

You are right about mistakes happening because of the law:

https://rettalbot.wordpress.com/2014/09/16/usfws-notifies-aquarium-businesses-that-importing-listed-corals-is-illegal/

https://rettalbot.wordpress.com/2014/09/16/usfws-errs-but-aquarium-trade-still-spooked/

[alton]

I LIKE THIS PART
One way NMFS could accomplish this would be by issuing a special rule that extends some prohibitions but allows for continued commercial activity involving aquacultured corals. According to statute, all special rules must be consistent with the conservation of the species, but precedent for this kind of collaborative approach insofar as “take” is concerned does exist.
GOOD LUCK