Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Coral Protection
The Lawsuit: Protecting Coral Species
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service for its failure to protect 20 coral species in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. Although these corals were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2014, they have not received the necessary protections, such as prohibitions on collection and sale.
Importance of Protecting Corals
Emily Jeffers, an attorney at the Center, emphasizes the need to take action to protect corals from threats such as aquarium collection and rising water temperatures. She argues that banning the collection and trade of corals is crucial to prevent their extinction. The current lack of protection measures is insufficient, and corals require comprehensive support to ensure their survival.
Violation of the Endangered Species Act
According to the Endangered Species Act, the Fisheries Service is obligated to issue protective regulations for the conservation of threatened species. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of Hawai‘i, accuses the Service of denying these protections to the 20 corals, thus violating the Act.
Failure to Address Climate Change and Local Threats
In 2020, the Center petitioned the Fisheries Service to implement measures that would ban activities causing harm to listed corals, including import restrictions and addressing climate change and local threats. However, in 2021, the federal government deemed these protections unnecessary.
Global Decline of Coral Populations
Coral populations worldwide are facing dramatic declines due to climate change, warming oceans, and collection for the international aquarium trade, among other factors. Marine heat waves and coral bleaching events have severely damaged most coral reefs globally, with approximately half already lost to climate change.
Lack of Monitoring Trade in Threatened Coral Species
Despite being the world’s largest importer of corals for aquariums, the United States is failing to adequately monitor trade in threatened coral species. This lack of oversight further endangers these already vulnerable corals.
Specific Coral Species at Risk
In 2014, the National Marine Fisheries Service listed 20 species of corals as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The lawsuit focuses on five Caribbean corals: Dendrogyra cylindrus (pillar coral), Orbicella annularis (lobed star coral), Orbicella faveolata (mountainous star coral), Orbicella franksi (boulder star coral), and Mycetophyllia ferox (rough cactus coral). Additionally, 15 Indo-Pacific coral species are also included, such as Acropora jacquelineae, Euphyllia paradivisa, and Montipora australiensis.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
- Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
- Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
The article highlights the need to protect coral species in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions. The decline of coral populations due to climate change, warming oceans, and collection for the aquarium trade is mentioned. Protecting corals and their habitats aligns with SDG 14, which aims to sustainably manage and protect marine ecosystems. Target 14.2 emphasizes the need to protect marine ecosystems from significant adverse impacts, while Target 14.5 focuses on conserving coastal and marine areas.
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
The article discusses the need to protect coral species that have received Endangered Species Act listings but lack necessary protections. This aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. Target 15.5 specifically addresses the need to take urgent action to prevent species extinction.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans. | The article mentions the decline of coral populations due to climate change, warming oceans, and collection for the aquarium trade. These factors highlight the need to protect corals and their habitats to avoid significant adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information. | The article emphasizes the importance of conserving coral species in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions. Conserving these species aligns with the target to conserve coastal and marine areas. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | The article highlights the need to protect coral species that have received Endangered Species Act listings but lack necessary protections. Protecting these species aligns with the target to prevent the extinction of threatened species. |
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Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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