Scubaism

The global body regulating the wildlife trade has voted to protect the red and pink corals widely used in jewellery. Corals of the genus Corallium are to be listed on Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Over-harvesting in the Mediterranean and western Pacific has caused major declines in recent years. It is said a spectacular Corallium necklace can fetch up to $20,000 (£10,000) in US boutiques. However, an Appendix 2 listing does not prevent international trade. But permits will only be issued on deals that do not compromise the health of wild populations. Resistance came from organisations representing Italian coral harvesters.