NOAA to list 66 coral species as endangered

Article Summary:

UnderwaterTimes reports that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to list 66 species of reef building corals under the Endangered Species Act. If the proposal is carried out, it means that:

…endangered does not prohibit activities like fishing or diving, but prohibits the specific “take” of those species, including harming, wounding, killing, or collecting the species. It also prohibits imports, exports, and commercial activities dealing in the species.

The 66 species includes 59 in the Pacific and 7 from the Caribbean. The scheme will now go forward to a 90 day public hearing period, during which NOAA will hold 18 public meetings. If it passes through this process, the listings will be made in late 2013.