US Considers endangered protection for 82 stony coral species

[Aqua-Dome]

A group called the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Arizona, has petitioned the federal government to add 82 species of stony corals to the endangered species list, which would ban them from being imported into the United States. Of the 82 species there are 4 species of Acanthastrea, 22 species of Acropora, 3 species of Euphyllia, 8 species of Montipora, and 4 species of Tubinaria, among the corals proposed are Euphyllia paracora, Galaxea astreata, Pavona cactus, and Tubinaria reniformis. Comments will be taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service but the response deadline is April, 12. The Center for Biological Diversity once handed out 100,000 free condoms hoping that human population growth would be slowed. More information can be found in the most current issue of CORAL magzine.

[kkiel02]

This has me arguing with myself about regulation of corals. I am finding myself, at first, against it as I understand you cant get diversity from captive corals like you could with wild caught. On the other hand I think that most everyone in the hobby would like to have captive raised corals over wildcaught for the sake of perserving the reef.

On a side note the condom idea has me laughing. Although the birth rates in devoloped countries has been declining as more people focus more on their jobs and less on family.

[carong]

i'm with you