The Commercial Potential of Precious Corals in the Western Caroline Islands, Micronesia
Grigg, Richard (1975). The Commercial Potential of Precious Corals in the Western Caroline Islands, Micronesia (Report).
Abstract: Diving surveys and reconnaissance &n Palau have revealed the exis tence of species of precious coral which have commercial potential. Quantities of black coral Antipathes dichotoma sUfficient to support a small local industry were found both insidg and outside the barrier reef. Although specimens outside the reef are larger and more heavily branched~ the depth distribution is considerably deeper than it is inside the reef. This~ &n combination with the constant threat of sharks out side the barrier reefs~ makes the resources inside the reef a more prac tical source of raw material. In Palau~ the maximum sustained yield of black coral is estimated to be about 1400 lb per year. Because the abun dance of this resource is limited and because growth rates are very slow~ precautions should be taken to prevent the creation of an export market. Precious pink corals also exist in Palau. Samples of Corallium 1 I I elatius believed to have been collected between Peleliu and Angaur were confiscated from a Japanese fishing vessel and were found to be of high \ quality. Further surveys for Corallium are recommended. Other species \ of commercial importance in Palau include several scleraxonians in the family Melitodidae and a fern black coral similar to-the Hawaiian spe \ cies Antipathes ulex. The melitodids lack the luster and hardness of Corallium and therefore are less valuable; however~ they are also valued as decorative displays. The fern black coral~ when polished~ is similar to the true gold coral of Hawaii. Before a precious coral industry &S developed in Micronesia~ it is. strongly recommended that control measures aimed at resource conservation be adopted. Also~ certain unusually rich areas should be "set aside" as marine preserves in which the taking of any corals should be disallowed. This recommendation is of particular significance to the growing tourist and recreation industru in Micronesia since it has an enormously greater economic potential than the precious coral industry. iii CONTENTS
