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.

In 1998, the President of the United States established the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) to protect and conserve coral reefs. The purpose of the Task Force is to bring together federal and state agencies, and have them collaborate on all U.S. coral reef issues. NOAA is a principal member of the USCRTF, and the lead federal agency for conserving and restoring coral reef ecosystems.

Several U.S. laws help to protect coral reefs, including:

The Endangered Species Act (1973) 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 (1976) governs marine fisheries management in U.S. federal waters, including harvested reef fish and invertebrates. This law was updated in 1996 and again in 2007 to recognize and protect healthy habitats for commercial and recreational fisheries species - like coral reefs - to survive and reproduce.

The Coastal Zone Management Act (1972) provides for the management of the nation’s coastal resources, including coral reefs. The goal is to “preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance the resources of the nation’s coastal zone.”

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (1973) 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 (Enacted in 1900 but expanded in 2008) 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. Several key international agreements have been established to protect coral reefs and their associated marine biodiversity.

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was adopted in 1982 and currently 167 countries and the European Union are parties to it.

• The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted in 1993 and has been ratified by 196 countries. In addition, many Non-Governmental Organizations, and scientific institutions collaborate with governments to support coral reef conservation, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote best practices.

International laws and treaties on coral reefs and their ecosystems serve as guidelines for cooperation and conservation and sustainable use of these invaluable ecosystems on a global scale.