1.8 million dollar fine for trading black coral

Discussion in 'Soft Corals' started by Matt Rogers, Oct 27, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    GEM Manufacturing LLC, a high-end jewelry company in the U.S. Virgin Islands was just leveled with a 1.8 million dollar fine for knowingly trading protected black coral with mislabeled boxes - a violation of both the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act. In addition to the fine, GEM was also ordered to forfeit jewelry, sculptures and nearly 14,000 pounds of raw black coral valued at over 2.17 million dollars. With fines like these, the slow growing black coral might have a chance.

    [​IMG]
    Photo Credit: DOJ

    [​IMG]
    Photo Credit: DOJ

    More:
    U.S. Virgin Islands Company Sentenced for Illegal Trade of Protected Coral
     
    1 person likes this.
  2. Click Here!

  3. ComputerJohn

    ComputerJohn Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2009
    Messages:
    2,123
    Location:
    Massachusetts
  4. FaceOfDeceit

    FaceOfDeceit Hockey Beard

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2010
    Messages:
    2,076
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Don't let the NFL hear about this! Finally someone with a worthwhile consequence!
     
  5. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    +1 to ^^^

    One of America's biggest problems with protecting the environment is that it's usually much cheaper and easier for corporations to pay fines than to obey the law. Is it too soon to assume that may be finally changing?
     
  6. Renee@LionfishLair

    Renee@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    May 16, 2010
    Messages:
    2,895
    Location:
    Coastal So. cal
    The total loss will be 4.47 million.... awesome.
     
  7. vawdka

    vawdka Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2011
    Messages:
    383
    Location:
    Missouri
    I'm happy they are being punished for the crime, it's about time the fines actually hurt someone who is doing wrong.

    On a side note, am I the only one that thinks it almost looks like a box of drift wood? :p
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Pastey

    Pastey Ritteri Anemone

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2011
    Messages:
    638

    Next headline: "GEM Receives Sincere Apology for Mistaken Black Coral and gets Front Row Knicks Tickets......that expire next year"
     
  10. haloist

    haloist Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    May 4, 2010
    Messages:
    273
    Location:
    OC
    Quite deserving, but sad for the corals still. Hopefully, the population will start recuperating soon.
     
  11. Gresham

    Gresham Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2002
    Messages:
    2,825
    Location:
    SF/Monterey Bay Area, CA
    Too bad the fine didn't exceed the value of the goods. That would make you really think about it before doing it! But yah, 4.47 million out of pocket is not chump change. (then again it is a high end jeweler)
     
  12. fischkid2

    fischkid2 Dirty Filter Sock

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2010
    Messages:
    670
    Location:
    Chicago
    I hope the money goes to reestablish the harvested area or at least to better protect the endangered reefs ect...
    Thanks for the report, Matt.