In case the link didn't work for you.
Heres a bit of Ed Lovels discussion oon the NOAA net.
Steve
ps. Bold print input by me.
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Pg. 62,
Chapter 6.
The dynamics of hard coral abundance presents information on
the relative quantity of coral collected by the aquarium trade in Fiji in
relation to the estimated total coral abundance in the wild for two collection
sites.
The following table summarizes the findings of a survey that considered coral
categorically as a fishery item in which those with certain attributes could be subject to collection (collectible coral). These attributes are a relatively
small size (<15cm diameter), attractive form (symmetrical with no damage) and distinctive coloration (bright, fluorescent).
Collection was from a large area 108.2 km2 . This figure represents the area of the reef flat to a depth of ~3m as calculated from aerial photos. Collection in Walt Smith International area, relative to 2006 exports, represented the removal of 1 coral colony per 10,000
colonies.
For the other collection area discussed in the above report and
referred to by Bruce Carlson, exports amounted to one coral colony being removed
per 1000 colonies. In this case, the collection area was much smaller (64 km2).
In both cases, the estimates are likely to be very low as the reef slope areas
from which some of the exports were obtained were not included in the survey.
Contributing to the sustainability of the live coral resource in these areas are the vast uncollected coral reef areas adjacent to the collection sites, which extend to the national boundaries of the archipelago.
Table 5. Estimates of coral colony numbers and percentages of corals collected
from the Walt Smith International (WSI) collecting area.
Coral Reef Area and Exports
Collectible corals
Non-collectible coral
Total coral
Estimated coral numbers
31,465,004
554,599,066
586,064,070
Percentage of corals in each category
5.3
94.6
Number of corals exported in 2006
68,940
Coral exports as a percentage of collectible and total coral
0.22%
0.01%
Currently, Fiji's Dept. of Fisheries and the Institute of Marine Resources,
University of the South Pacific are conducting re-surveys in both collection
areas. This time assessment is with regard to the CITES taxonomic categories
for the purpose of re-setting the national quotas in compliance with CITES
requirements.
It should be emphasized that the assessment is to determine the resource
potential for live coral collection and that curio or decorative coral
collection (export of dead coral) is not allowed.
Considering the conservation of the resource, Fiji, as part of the CITES
Convention, has implemented voluntary export quotas limiting coral exports.
Only 30 of the 72 genera occurring in Fiji are allowed for export. 13 genera
and species have a 0 quota also prohibiting trade.
As pointed out in an earlier post, there has been recovery in hard coral cover
to the level preceding the 2000 and 2002 mass bleaching events, as determined
from transect data from across Fiji. The following paper has been submitted for
inclusion in the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium proceedings.
E. R. Lovell and H. Sykes (in prep). Rapid recovery from bleaching events -
Fiji Coral Reef Monitoring Network assessment of hard coral cover from
1999-2007.
I hope this clarifies some of the issues discussed.
Best regards,
Ed Lovell
Edward R. Lovell
Lecturer
School of Marine Studies
University of the South Pacific
PMB, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji
Ph. 3232943; Fax 3231526
[email protected]
