A good day for reefs
May 21, 2026
Polish customs just intercepted the largest coral smuggling attempt in the country's history – over 1,000 live corals, nearly 1.5 tonnes, smuggled in from Indonesia in an attempt to bypass the CITES system entirely. The animals are now in quarantine at Łódź Zoo Orientarium, where aquarists are working to save as many as possible.
As an industry built on legal, traceable, sustainable supply, we welcome this. Loudly.
Smuggled corals hurt everyone: they bypass conservation quotas, undercut importers who play by the rules, and damage the trust the hobby depends on. CITES exists for a reason.
If you keep or sell corals: ensure your corals are legal. Contact your supplier and your local authorities if in doubt.
Huge respect to the Polish customs team, the Central Animal Shelter, and the aquarists at Orientarium now nursing 1,500kg of stressed coral back to health.
#CITES #ReefConservation #ResponsibleAquatics #TropicalMarineCentre