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Tourist trinkets and coral curios
Investigating the trade in the UK and abroad
The marine curio trade is a global business involving the collection of a range of animals that are used to make decorative and household items, jewellery and souvenirs. Thousands of types of shells are used, together with corals, sponges, starfish, crustaceans, fish and turtles. Like any fishery, there are conservation issues associated with the collection of ‘curio’ species, including over-exploitation and habitat damage caused by inappropriate collecting methods. On the other hand, these small scale fisheries can be of great importance for coastal fishing communities.
MCS has already carried out an initial assessment of the trade and has produced advice for consumers and dealers. We are currently updating and expanding these guidelines, and will be providing online information that will enable the general public to access information about the collection and trade in marine curios.
Our aim is to get retailers and consumers to make more informed choices about what they buy, and so to promote more sustainable use of marine resources.
