[Coral-List] CITES exemption of coral cores?

[Tomas]

Jessica,

As you should know, any removal of samples from the country of Belize is
controlled by the Government of Belize with good reason.  If you intend to
do research of any kind which requires the removal of samples, you must
apply for a research permit, a petition which would be granted based on the
merit of the Research Proposal which you submit.  I suggest you contact the
Fisheries Department of the Government of Belize (species at btl.net).  

Your concern here should not just be CITES restrictions but the sovereignty
of the resources of the country from which you intend to remove samples. 
Any attempt to bypass the authorities on this is not looked upon favourably
and could greatly complicate your work in the country.  Also, the researcher
applying for the permit is required to repatriate scientific reports,
analyses, etc. which are produced based on work in the country.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tomás Camarena

-----Original Message-----
From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
[mailto:coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov] On Behalf Of Jessica Carilli
Sent: Martes, 13 de Diciembre de 2005 06:49 p.m.
To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
Subject: [Coral-List] CITES exemption of coral cores?

Dear Coral-listers,
We intend to collect coral cores in Belize and transport them back to the US
for analysis. We won't be transporting live tissue, so I was under the
impression that this skeletal matter is exempt from CITES.  However, trying
to find documentation supporting this is proving to be difficult and I'm
wondering if skeletal samples from live corals are indeed covered by CITES?

If they are exempt, does anyone have suggestions as to specific documents I
can have on hand to show the customs officials?
Thanks very much,
Jessica Carilli
-------------------------------------
Graduate Student
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
9500 Gilman Dr. 0208
La Jolla, CA 92093-0208
office: 858-822-2355
Vaughan Hall 209
mobile: 760-815-2629


 
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