The Future of Precious Red Coral in the Mediterranean

Red coral has been a precious commodity since prehistoric times. Traces of this colorful organism have been found at archaeological sites across Europe, and it has adorned religious art, sculptures, ornaments and jewellery for centuries.
Some precious coral species, including red coral, are now recognised as vulnerable because of a range of pressures, including rising sea temperatures, water pollution as well as uncontrolled harvest.
Through the regional General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), FAO is working with Italy and other countries to improve control and surveillance of fishing while seeking to keep red coral harvesting at sustainable levels. The Mediterranean is just one of the regions where FAO is supporting countries to sustainably manage and protect marine environments, while counteracting overfishing of coral, fish and other species.