Top Hard Corals, Madrepores Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Top Hard Corals, Madrepores Not Elsewhere Included" refers to a category of scleractinian (stony) corals, primarily from the family Acroporidae and related groups, that are not classified under specific genera in trade and fisheries statistics. These corals are not fish, but are marine invertebrates vital to reef ecosystems, providing habitat and coastal protection. The harvesting of hard corals is primarily for the ornamental trade (aquariums, jewelry, and curios), rather than for food. Major countries involved in the collection and export of these corals include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Fiji, where coral reefs are abundant and collection is often regulated through permits and quotas. Indonesia is the world's largest exporter, supplying much of the global demand, followed by the Philippines. The industry is controversial due to concerns over reef degradation, prompting international regulation through CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which requires that all international trade in hard corals is monitored and sustainable.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.