Vacation destinations where I can bring something home?

[Formulator]

I take tropical vacations at least once a year, but the #1 rule on any snorkeling excursion is always “don’t touch ANYTHING!” Is there anywhere that allows harvesting small broken pieces of coral? Is this considered unethical or just a safety rule most places? Has anyone brought something home for their tanks and successfully kept it? How did you manage keeping it alive at the hotel and what are other considerations.? Will TSA even allow it through security? I know it will be challenging, but I just think this would be so cool and am willing to jump through some hoops if it is even remotely possible without becoming a certified importer.

And just to be clear, I know some of you are fortunate enough to live in a coastal area, but I’m talking about getting something back to the midwest, likely from another country.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I can’t think of a legal way without a collection permit.

 

[Science/G]

In Florida with a fishing license there are certain things you can collect. Soft corals, anemones and various other inverts

 

[tzabor10]

That does border on poaching, but I love the idea

 

[Formulator]

In Florida with a fishing license there are certain things you can collect. Soft corals, anemones and various other inverts

Excellent! My in-laws have a condo in Naples, Florida and sometimes we actually drive from Missouri because its easier and we can bring more stuff with us and our 3 year old. Any areas or target species you recommend?

 

[jermzisurmom]

Look up fwc Florida fishing license, and harvest limits, my lil fam bam have been doing this for quite awhile.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

likely from another country.

Looks like if there are intact corallites, a CITES permit is needed to take the material out of whatever country, and a wildlife import declaration (USFWS 3-177) would be needed to enter the US with it. In addition to whatever collecting permits are needed in the country of export.

https://cites.org/sites/default/files/common/com/ac/22/E22i-08.pdf
Contrary to what people who love the idea might think, it is my understanding that getting on the wrong side of USFWS coming back into the US through Miami is a very big mistake.

 

[saltytanked]

I could tell ya several ways to get live rock over but no coral or livestock

 

[Formulator]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like Florida is my best bet.

 

[sally lightfoot]

I once brought back hermit crabs and snails from Los Angeles to Indianapolis on a flight with my carry on luggage
Crabs didn’t make it snails did
Guess I got lucky with the X-ray technician not paying attention
Never thought about the repercussions of gettin caught
Didn’t think it was illegal

 

[saltytanked]

I once brought back hermit crabs and snails from Los Angeles to Indianapolis on a flight with my carry on luggage
Crabs didn’t make it snails did
Guess I got lucky with the X-ray technician not paying attention
Never thought about the repercussions of gettin caught
Didn’t think it was illegal

Nobody ever does until they are caught lol