Fiji’s government has banned the export of live coral, hoping to protect the Pacific nation’s reefs. This has has stirred concerns about job losses among local companies.
The export ban came into force last week; Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau saying it was part of the government’s commitment to protect the seas, the Fiji Times reports.
“Our commitment also means protecting the coral system and maintaining a healthy ocean and that’s why we are doing it now,” he said.
Most exported coral is used in aquariums, said the minister.