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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The U.S. is leading a push to protect a type of red coral that grows deep in the world's oceans and seas, putting it at odds with Italian fishermen who have harvested the species for generations to make artwork and jewelry.
Under the U.S. proposal up for debate at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species meeting in The Hague, trade in several species of red coral, or corallium, would be regulated for the first time to ensure harvesting and global sales do not threaten their survival.
The proposal is expected to come up for a vote next week, worrying the fishermen and craftsmen of Torre del Greco, who harvest the coral for their livelihood in the town in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.
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