BROOKLYN, New York (WABC) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has successfully confiscated sea corals that were illegally shipped to the United States through JFK Airport, and they are now being rehabilitated at the New York Aquarium.
The corals, which include species like Goniopora, Acropora, Lobophyllia, Alveopora, and Euphyllia, are part of a larger effort aimed at protecting these vital marine organisms.
Bringing these corals into the U.S. violates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the Endangered Species Act, leading to their confiscation.
Currently, the corals are undergoing care at the New York Aquarium as part of their propagation program with hopes of ultimately displaying them in public reef exhibits.
Aquarium staff aim to educate visitors about coral ecosystems and the numerous threats they face, including climate change, ocean acidification, overharvesting, and illegal trade.
Aaron Brett, a marine biologist from South Africa and coral expert at the aquarium for the last seven years, expressed his excitement about the impact this initiative has on coral conservation.
“Corals are animals and vital to the health of our oceans,” said Brett. “Unfortunately, these corals spent five days in transit, which is a major stressor. However, remarkably, the majority of the shipment is recovering well.”
The shipment contained approximately 200 coral pieces seized as contraband at JFK from Indonesia, where they were found improperly packed in plastic bags filled with dirty water.
While officials reported that 30 pieces arrived dead, the dedicated aquarium team was able to save about 85 percent of the corals, leading to a positive recovery rate.
Brett noted that since their arrival, the corals have shown growth and changes in color, attributed to the initial stress they experienced.
For the last two months, the New York Aquarium has been providing care for the surviving corals in a controlled environment with water temperatures maintained at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
During this time, they have been fed plankton and algae, fostering their recovery.
In pet stores, these living corals could fetch prices around $400, with potential owners likely seeking to add them to fish tanks.
However, the shipment lacked the necessary permits and compliance with regulations, prompting authorities to intervene.
Brett emphasized that living corals are highly vulnerable and highlighted their significance amid the ongoing issues related to climate change.
The surviving 170 corals are expected to thrive and could be on display in the aquarium’s tanks within next month.
The New York Aquarium takes pride in being at the forefront of coral conservation work, contributing techniques and knowledge that help support reef conservation initiatives globally.
Aquarist Camilla Piechocki explained the complexity of the rehabilitation process, saying, “This is delicate, hands-on work. We monitor water chemistry, slowly reintroduce lighting, and mimic reef conditions to help them thrive.”
She reassured that, while corals are resilient, the transition from illegal shipment to thriving exhibits involves careful consideration and effort.
Coral reefs play a crucial role in supporting about a billion people globally and provide habitats for approximately 25% of all marine life.
As the aquarium continues its valuable work, it hopes to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the need for their conservation.
image source from：abc7ny
