Federal legislation that would restrict the import, export and interstate transport of coral reef species was introduced in July but, at press time, had yet to receive a committee hearing.

The bill is intended to help conserve coral reefs by limiting trade in reef species, according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington).

In addition to species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the bill covers "any species of coral or ornamental reef fish."

It also provides for a method of removing restricted species if trade in the species does not represent a "substantial risk of harm" to either the species in question or the reef ecosystem from which it is taken.

The bill was referred to the House Resources Committee. [November 2004 PET AGE]