Coral collection?

[neuwave]

I was wondering if normal aquarium hobbyist can get a permit or licence to collect wild coral. What experience is needed? I've been reading alittle from MAC and CITES websites and PDF files concerning the trade of marine life. Understandable that we need to collect correctly and with the rules of all importing and exporting legal stations. Is it possible? With some information from the wildlife Dept here in florida, one can collect with a fishing license but to only a degree. Fish of certain sizes and quanity are always taken into consideration with the fish and widllife department. Anyone ever collect and know the correct procedure to do so in countries abroad such as Indonesia, thailand (South pacific)? In hopes to farm any coral I may collect. I read a article from Eric B. a host of this forum. Hope he contacts me about any information he can help me with. I want to be a responsible diver and hobbyist. Anyone out there who can answer these questions?

 

[philter4]

I have worked both as an importer and a commercial collector in the past, there is no permits allowed for collection of stony coral in the USA, not FL, HI, or any of the gulf states. There is also no permit issued to hobbyiests for collection of stony corals. There are some scientific permits, and if you have a license for live rock if there is a piece of stony coral on the live rock I believe it can be taken, but live rock has to be cultured and set out to be re collected later, you can not take any rock that is native.

 

[neuwave]

OOPs. maybe I didn't explain correctly. I've learned the information about florida laws since I live in florida and with the help of the local wildlife services, but I am Not asking about the USA. I'm asking about a trip to the south pacific area. Not in USA waters.