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| Target species |
A range of coral and coral-related species are collected. Generally, small coral colonies (<15 cm diameter) with large polyps that survive well in aquaria are collected from many hard and soft coral species for the aquarium trade. In addition, zoanthids, corallimorphs and solitary corals are also collected.
A range of species mainly from the Families Pocilloporidae and Acroporidae are collected for the ornamental trade and used to make decorative souvenirs and ornaments.
For a global perspective, see "From ocean to aquarium. The global trade in marine ornamental species" by Wabnitz C. Taylor M, Green E, Razak T. published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2003.
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| Status & trend |
Queensland’s coral harvest fishery is small by international standards. Over the last two decades, the focus of the fishery has shifted from collecting specimens for the ornamental trade to collecting live specimens for the aquarium trade. About 80 percent by weight of live corals harvested, and all the living rock and rubble component of the harvest are for the aquarium coral market. At present, this harvest is destined for the domestic market because the export of coral is not permitted by the Commonwealth under the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The coral harvest industry is currently undergoing a process of restructure.
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| Critical issues |
A review of the sustainability of the coral harvest in the Queensland (Harriott, 2001) found that “the total harvest in the fishery is very small relative to the coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef. It does not represent a risk to the integrity of the reef system on either a reef-wide or regional scale.”
However, there are some concerns about the potential for localised depletion (particularly of rarer corals) and conflict with other user groups on the Reef (including tourists).
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| Location of fishing |
Presently, commercial fishers operate along the Queensland east coast within specified coral collection areas on reef fronts to a depth of 6m. A restructure is proposed for the industry.
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| Harvest methods |
Coral may be taken by hand or by using hand-held non-mechanical implements such as a hammer and chisel. Collectors may also use SCUBA or hookah apparatus when taking coral.
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| Management |
The coral fishery has a cap of 59 commercial coral collection authorities (held across 36 collectors). These operators must have an 'Authority to Take Fish for Trade or Commerce' which is issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. State management includes limited entry and quota, and fishing gear and area restrictions. Commercial coral harvesters also require a permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which restricts collecting in some areas.
A Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is set between 1-4 tonnes per year for each authority. There is an industry-wide TAC of 200 tonnes of coral.
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| More reading |
Harriott VJ. 2001. The sustainability of Queensland’s coral harvest fishery. CRC Reef Research Centre Technical Report No. 40. CRC Reef Research Centre, Townsville. |
