How to legally collect and transport fish and corals

[geddavis]

i go on a yearly vacation to the Caribbean and was wondering if there is a way to collect and transport fish and coral back to California.

 

[EmdeReef]

You have to check local laws of your destination country and then go on the USDA or customs website and see what kind of paperwork you need to bring back to the States.

FWIW most Caribbean countries I’ve visited have strict no collection (or touch) policy for corals and sadly not many corals left. Fish are a bit different and depend on the species. In most cases you may need to apply for a commercial license. In sum, it’s tricky and not sure worth the trouble. Probably much easier to find a local diver with a license who can do it for you.

 

[geddavis]

I am traveling to st Lucia and I can’t find any information on the collection of marine life

 

[EmdeReef]

"Under the Fisheries Act Cap 7.15, it is illegal to collect, damage, use, sell, buy or be in possession of any type of coral. This includes live and dead coral, and refers to both “hard” and “soft” corals, including sea fans, sea whips, black coral, and brown coral. The prohibited use includes the collection and use of coral from the wild, and all coral rubble which may be found on the beach or along the coastline."

https://www.stlucianewsonline.com/high-fines-for-illegal-coral-use-department-of-fisheries/

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

it may be easier to try and get enriched uranium out of north korea...

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

i go on a yearly vacation to the Caribbean and was wondering if there is a way to collect and transport fish and coral back to California.

do your homework and try to find through the internet a station that collects fish by or close to your destination you're going to in the Caribbean and look at this video hopefully it'll help you on the ship it out.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I think the key will be to find a trans shipper. Your guess is as good as mine.

 

[geddavis]

I just wanted to get some unique and cheap corals. I will update if I figure out a way in the future. I am going to try and call their wildlife department and see if there is any company or speacalle permit for the collection. My guess is it will be more expensive getting and collecting the coral than just buying it but we will see

 

[geddavis]

Do you know of anywhere in the Caribbean where you can collect coral.

 

[Hemmdog]

You just need to fill out a USDA import form VS17-129 filled out and faxed to USDA 7-10 days before you bring them back.

The port inspections and veterinary certificates apply to carp and a few other species.

I’m sure ST. Lucia doesent want people taking things though and has their own set of collecting laws.
Enjoy it, I’ve been there. Beautiful place.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I just wanted to get some unique and cheap corals. I will update if I figure out a way in the future. I am going to try and call their wildlife department and see if there is any company or speacalle permit for the collection. My guess is it will be more expensive getting and collecting the coral than just buying it but we will see

When i was looking for stations in Tonga. I emailed chamber of comrence in Tonga. They gave me exporters of corals from there.

 

[geddavis]

i will try that. Thanks for the suggestion

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Just so you know. If you can get right company to export corals from your trip destination you can act as your own importer in US, AS LONG AS ITS FOR PERSONAL USE. No import licsence needed. Our little secret. I did my homework.

 

[EmdeReef]

Do you know of anywhere in the Caribbean where you can collect coral.

I’ve been to many Caribbean islands and when diving usually we get warned that collection or even touching is illegal. I doubt any country honestly will let you just pick stuff without some permit which may be tough/impossible to get as a tourist. Some islands don’t even allow any sales of corals even for the locals.

 

[cgdcinc]

Don’t even think about it in the Cayman Islands. Heavy stiff fines. Most over 30,000 bucks.
Just a heads up.

 

[PatW]

I thought the importation of corals from the Caribbean was illegal but could be wrong. I would not try to bring anything through customs without the required documentation. In Florida, you can collect with a salt water fishing license. You cannot collect hard corals, sea fans or fire coral. Why would anyone want fire coral? If you collect in Florida, there are no customs to go through.