Mico and Acan legalities

[21ducks]

I love micromussa and acanthastrea lordhowensis, especially those that are nice colors which usually come from Japan. I have seen quite a few different morphs available lately, that I am interested in purchasing, but had a question.


I have heard a lot of controversy on the legalities of Japanese Acans and Micros being sold in the U.S. I am interested in purchasing some colonies that come from Japan. Does anyone know if it is legal to purchase these because they are already here, or are they still illegal to own regardless of where you got them?

Thanks:rollface:

 

[GreshamH]

Since there is no way to tell, it's a moot point US F&W S isn't going to do any DNA traces, nor would it do them any good (wouldn't know what to do with the info).

 

[All Delight]

Is this kinda like Cuban cigars?

 

[GreshamH]

In a way, but a true cigar expert could tell by simply sniffing it and the way it's wrapped. Can't do that with corals :lol:

 

[BlueCorn]

The last time I checked, illegal is illegal whether you get caught or not. It's a matter of valuing your own ethics vs the coral.

 

[Hormigaquatica]

It is illegal to export any stoney coral from Japanese waters, just like it is illegal to collect scleractinarian material (live coral, Or live rock) from US waters in the Caribbean. Now, it Happens, but IMO it shouldnt be supported. The animals are protected for a reason. There are so many corals that can be acquired through legal channels that are stunningly beautiful- I can only recommend that you hold out and watch for that One specimine that really sticks out from say a Bali shipment, rather than trying to track down something that is specifically protected.

 

[Creetin]

Not illegal to buy one thats already here, But if you import export them you are illegal. Basically the person/s bringint them over are the bad guys. You by owning one thats already here is legal.
But if you dont buy them they wont bring them over so the people that want to conserve will tell you its illegal so it stops some people from owning them.
Different from the florida reef system where they are are illegal to even own.
Acans and micro's are not endangered, Nor on the list to be protected.

 

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8761056#post8761056 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hormigaquatica
It is illegal to export any stoney coral from Japanese waters, just like it is illegal to collect scleractinarian material (live coral, Or live rock) from US waters in the Caribbean. Now, it Happens, but IMO it shouldnt be supported. The animals are protected for a reason. There are so many corals that can be acquired through legal channels that are stunningly beautiful- I can only recommend that you hold out and watch for that One specimine that really sticks out from say a Bali shipment, rather than trying to track down something that is specifically protected.

Japan has been sending CITES coral shipments to the US, which are perfectly legal there and here. Not many have been shipped, but there has been some legal shipments.

 

[Hormigaquatica]

Really... can you direct me to something that shows that official change??

 

[jessp]

i agree w/ all delight, it is exactly like cuban cigars. Dominicans might be just as nice but they are not illegal so they are not as sought after.

there are regular acan lords that are just as gorgeous as non indo acan lords.