Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

CITES is the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is a powerful tool for achieving effective and consistent regulation of international trade in wild species to ensure their conservation and sustainable use. Its purpose is to ensure that wild fauna and flora in international trade are not exploited unsustainably.

Coral and Shells

Coral and shells are a group of incredibly diverse animals. Coral reefs are part of a diverse ecosystem, providing habitats for many different species of fish and wildlife. Coral reefs also provide an important wave break for small island countries like the Cook Islands. Coral reefs help provide protection to coastlines from erosion, support recreation, tourism and local food supplies. The calcium carbonate from sand, shells and coral also maintains the pH balance of the ocean, helping to sustain life.

Unfortunately coral and some shells are endangered. Under threat from pollution, sewage, oil spills, harvesting for tourism, and land developments, it is estimated that at least two thirds of the world’s reefs are dying.

Coral and some shells are listed on CITES Appendix II, which means they are threatened by trade – species may become endangered if trade is not controlled and monitored. This protection extends not only to live coral and shells, but also to beach-wash coral and shells and parts of coral and shells.

Please note that International trade in coral and some shell products is only permitted with the correct CITES documentation. Even if you purchase a piece of coral and/or shell from a retailer, you are still required to obtain a CITES permit.

If you do not have a CITES permit and intend on taking coral overseas, you risk having your coral and shell being confiscated at your point of destination.

CITES for Coral

Details listed below: Common Name Scientific Name Appendix Listing Commonly Encountered
Crispy Crust/Cone Coral Family Meruliniidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Merulina sp. Hydnophora sp.
Ivory Bush Coral Family Oculinidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Galaxea sp.
Horse’s Tooth Coral Family Mussidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Lobophyllia sp.
Honeycomb /Golfball / Brain / Small Star Coral Family Faviidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Favia sp. Leptoria sp. Favites sp.
Table/Staghorn Coral Family Acroporidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Acropora sp.
Mushroom Coral Family Fungiidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Fungia sp.
Wart Coral Family Pocilloporidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Pocillopora sp.
Sunflower/Mustard Hil/ Coral Family Poritiidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered Goniopora spp. Porites spp.

Details listed below: Common Name Scientific Name Appendix Listing Commonly Encountered
Conch Shell Family Ranellidae Appendix II Ranella lampas Charonia tritonis
Spider Conch Strombus gigas* Lambis truncata L. crocata L. scopius * Only S. gigas is CITES listed.
Giant Clam Family Tridacnidae Appendix II Commonly Encountered T. derasa T. gigas T. squamosa
Sand, coral and shells build up our beautiful white beaches. If you are intending on taking any piece of marine wildlife overseas then you need a $10 CITES Permit from the National Environment Service. Please bring your item(s) in for inspection. Depending on the item(s) there may be an additional fee or a non issue of permit.

Details listed below: Common Name Scientific Name Appendix Listing Commonly Encountered
Marine Turtles Commonly Cheloniidae Appendix I Chelonia mydas Eretmochelys imbricata Caretta caretta
PLEASE NOTE: All Marine Turtles are Classified under Appendix I of the Convention therefore all Parties shall not allow the trade in Cheloniidae specimens except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.

Details listed below: Common Name Scientific Name Appendix Listing Commonly Encountered
Lorikeet Commonly Psittacidae Appendix II Chelonia mydas Vini peruviana V. kuhlii
Pintails/ Teals/Ducks Commonly Anatidae Appendix III Chelonia mydas Anas acuta A. capensis
Rock Pigeon Commonly Pteropodidae Appendix III Columba livia
Tongan Fruit Bat Commonly Pteropodidae Appendix I Pteropus tonganus
Whale/Dolphin/Porpoise CETACEA spp. Appendix I & II
PLEASE NOTE: All Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises are Classified under either Appendix I or II of the Convention therefore all Parties shall not allow the trade in CETACEA specimens except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.

Details listed below: Common Name Scientific Name Appendix Listing Commonly Encountered
Cactus CACTACEAE spp. Appendix I & II / #4
PLEASE NOTE: All Cacti are classified under either Appendix I or II of the Convention therefore all Parties shall not allow the trade in CACTACEAE specimens except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.
Cactus DIDIEREACEAE spp. Appendix II / #4 Chelonia mydas Anas acuta A. capensis
PLEASE NOTE: All Cacti are classified under either Appendix I or II of the Convention therefore all Parties shall not allow the trade in DIDIEREACEAE specimens except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.
Aloe Vera Aloe spp. Appendix I & II / #1
PLEASE NOTE: All Aloe Vera are Classified under either Appendix I or II of the Convention therefore all Parties shall not allow the trade in Aloe specimens except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.
Orchid ORCHIDACEAE spp. Appendix I & II / #7
PLEASE NOTE: All Orchids are classified under either Appendix I or II of the Convention therefore all Parties shall not allow the trade in ORCHIDACEAE specimens except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.
Cycads CYCADACEAE spp. Appendix I & II / # 1
PLEASE NOTE: All Cycads are classified under either Appendix I or II of the Convention therefore all Parties shall not allow the trade in CYCADACEAE specimens except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.

For further details contact the
Operations Division
National Environment Service
Ph (682) 21-256
Email

TOP