How U.S. Ocean Policy and Market Power Can Reform the Coral Reef Wildlife Trade

Authors

Brian N. Tissot, Washington State University
Barbara A. Best, Office of Natural Resources, U.S. Agency for International Development
Eric H. Borneman, University of Houston
Andrew W. Bruckner, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
Cara H. Cooper, Environmental Defense Fund, 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009, USA
Heather D’Agnes, Public Health Institute, U.S. Agency for International Development
Timothy P. Fitzgerald, Pew Environment Environmental Defense Fund, 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009, USA
Amanda Leland, Turnstone Consulting, PO Box 3283, Environmental Defense Fund, 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009, USA
Susan Lieberman, Pew Environment Group, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Amy Mathews Amos, Turnstone Consulting, PO Box 3283, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, USA
Rashid Sumaila, University of British Columbia
Teresa M. Telecky, University of British Columbia
Frazer McGilvray, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Brian J. Plankis, Reef Stewardship Foundation, PO Box 841588, Pearland, TX 77584, USA
Andrew L. Rhyne, Roger Williams UniversityFollow
Glynnis G. Roberts, I.M. Systems Group, Inc
Benjamin Starkhouse, University of British Columbia
Todd C. Stevenson, Washington State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Comments

Published in: Marine Policy , Vol 34, Issue 6, 2010

Abstract

As the world’s largest importer of marine ornamental species for the aquaria, curio, home décor, and jewelry industries, the United States has an opportunity to leverage its considerable market power to promote more sustainable trade and reduce the effects of ornamental trade stress on coral reefs worldwide. Evidence indicates that collection of some coral reef animals for these trades has caused virtual elimination of local populations, major changes in age structure, and promotion of collection practices that destroy reef habitats. Management and enforcement of collection activities in major source countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines remain weak. Strengthening US trade laws and enforcement capabilities combined with increasing consumer and industry demand for responsible conservation can create strong incentives for improving management in source countries. This is particularly important in light of the March 2010 failure of the parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to take action on key groups of corals.

Recommended Citation

Tissot, B.N., B.A. Best, E.H. Borneman, A.L. Rhyne et al. 2010. "How U.S. Ocean Policy and Market Power can Reform the Coral Reef." Marine Policy 34 (36): 1385-1388.