Thieves steal 40t coral reef
2004-08-23 12:41
Beijing - Authorities in southern China's Hainan Island have seized 40 tons of stolen coral reef which was being transported in two trucks, state media reported on Monday.
The drivers claimed they were carrying rocks when stopped by police on Friday but the goods packed in white sacks were found to be illegally harvested live coral, Xinhua news agency reported.
Police had set up an ambush at a parking lot in Haikou city after receiving intelligence that two trucks would arrive from the coastal city of Sanya, it said.
The reef was immediately returned to the South China Sea so it could survive, the report said.
The growing demand for coral reef resources as food, ornaments and for aquariums has fuelled destructive harvesting that threatens the sustainability of reefs.
According to experts, 95% of Chinas reefs are under significant threat.
China's most extensive reefs grow around Hainan Island and its surrounding 300 small islands, popular tourist destinations where nearly 200 coral species live.
Hainan marine authorities enforce a strict law banning coral mining.