Protecting corals - Laws and partnerships

Coral reefs are ecologically important ecosystems and have great economic value. For these, and other reasons, many national and international laws and regulations have been created to protect and conserve them. Individual countries have created laws and regulations to safeguard coral reef ecosystems within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) or maritime borders. These laws vary in scope and protection depending on the country and its level of commitment to reef conservation. U.S. laws address issues such as creating marine protected areas (MPAs) around coral reefs, enforcing sustainable and non-destructive fishing practices, engaging in coastal development, controlling pollution, and managing tourism that often impacts these vital ecosystems.

U.S. laws help to protect coral reefs include:

The Coral Reef Conservation Act is the most comprehensive law covering the conservation of coral reef ecosystems threatened by natural and human-accelerated impacts, including climate change, coral diseases, water quality degradation, invasive species, and fishing impacts. The Act promotes science-based management, sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems, and research and development to benefit local communities and the Nation.

The Endangered Species Act provides a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats. More than 25 coral species are listed as threatened or endangered.

The cover of the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. View a larger image.

The Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act governs marine fisheries management in U.S. federal waters, including harvested reef fish and invertebrates. This law works to protect healthy habitats for commercial and recreational fisheries species - like coral reefs - to survive and reproduce.

International laws that help protect coral reefs include:

• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the most well known international treaty that protects endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade. Similar to our passport system, if any endangered animal or plant needs to travel out of its area or between different areas or countries, it needs a license. CITES sets up this licensing system. Under CITES any trade or transport of corals requires an export permit.

• The Lacey Act bans trafficking in fish, wildlife, or plants that are illegally taken, possessed, transported, or sold. This relates directly to the aquarium trade of coral species.

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is dedicated to enforcing laws that conserve and protect our nation’s marine resources and their natural habitat. View a larger image.

International laws and treaties play a crucial role in the protection and conservation of coral reefs, serving as guidelines for cooperation and conservation and sustainable use of these invaluable ecosystems on a global scale.