Last week we reported about some what was feared would be an interruption of live coral exports, from Queensland Australia specifically. The information at the time was that the harvest and export of live corals from Queensland’s reefs would be halted at the end of day, June the 18th which prompted many collectors to stock up before the deadline.
However there was a stay to the deadline and it now appears coral harvest and exports will continue while negotiations for the wildlife trade operation (WTO) is renewed. We received a statement which clearly outlines the current situation and some of the changes that will be coming which will mostly affect just a handful of popular reef aquarium corals.
“You may have been hearing that Australian coral exports are being stopped. We would like to update you on the situation.
Queensland Fisheries must apply to the Australian Government every 3 years for approval to export coral (WTO). The current approval expired on the 18th of June, and we were told by the Wildlife Trade Office that we may only legally export corals harvested on or before the 18th June 2021.
However, late on Friday 18th June evening we were informed that coral is now allowed to be exported until the 30th October 2021.
Queensland Fisheries has applied for a new approval, however, due to concerns regarding reef degradation caused by global warming, the Australian Government is imposing additional conditions on the coral fishery.
There is no reason to believe that export will be stopped however changes will occur. The exact nature of these changes is still uncertain however it is likely to include quotas on some species including Acanthastrea lordhowensis (Micromussa lordhowensis), Catalaphyllia jardinei, Duncanopsammia axifuga, Euphyllia glabrescens, Fimbriaphyllia ancora, Scolymia australis (Homophyllia australis) and Trachyphyllia geoffroyi.”
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