WILLEMSTAD – In 2023, Curaçao exported coral to countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia, primarily for scientific purposes. This data was revealed by CITES, the international organization monitoring the trade of endangered flora and fauna.
More than 6,000 corals were exported last year, the majority of which were sourced from the wild, supplemented by cultivated specimens.
The export list includes critically endangered Caribbean coral species such as staghorn and elkhorn coral. These species have been struggling with declining populations due to climate change, water pollution, and coral diseases for years.
In addition to these endangered species, brain corals, mushroom corals, branching corals, and stony corals were also exported. While these exports are intended for scientific research, they have raised questions about their potential impact on the fragile marine ecosystem of the region. Conservation organizations are urging stricter regulations and enhanced monitoring to protect these vulnerable habitats.
The situation underscores the urgent need for preservation and restoration efforts for coral reefs in the Caribbean. Scientists stress the importance of safeguarding local ecosystems, emphasizing that immediate action is required to mitigate the threats facing these critical marine environments.