Saving coral reefs, the foundation of marine life

Coral reefs contain one-quarter of all fish species, but they’re imperiled by a variety of human-caused threats. Up to 35% of the world’s reefs may be lost within the next two decades.

Compounding the threats of overfishing and climate change is the growing demand for coral reef wildlife for home decor, jewelry and aquariums. Between 1988 and 2007, the global trade for coral exploded nearly fifteenfold.

Beautiful sea creatures such as iridescent cardinalfish are pulled from coral reefs as part of a largely unregulated international trade that is devastating many fish and coral populations.

Between 1988 and 2007, the global trade for coral exploded nearly fifteenfold.

Every year up to 30 million fish and 1.5 million live corals are harvested, with the majority of them destined for the United States.

Stronger U.S. regulations can have worldwide influence

In response, EDF and its partners launched a campaign to leverage U.S. market power through the creation of stronger federal rules.

Current U.S. laws lack standards for sustainable coral collection and shipping, while international laws are weak and poorly enforced. For example, in Southeast Asia, despite laws prohibiting the practice, collectors often squirt cyanide poison in the water to stun fish, many of which die in transport.

EDF’s coral coalition is working with scientists, industry leaders and policy makers to stimulate lasting change. Our goal is to end destructive collection and help ensure the survival of Earth’s most fragile marine ecosystems.