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Coral Questions & Answers

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Where can I find information about coral reef biology?

Biological information on corals may be found on the coral website for the Fish and Wildlife Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at:
http://research.myfwc.com/features/category_main.asp?id=1340

What species of coral can be harvested in Florida waters?  What species of coral are prohibited for harvest?

Octocorals (Subclass Octocorallia) except for the common sea fan Gorgonia ventalina and the venus sea fan Gorgonia flabellum may be harvested in Florida waters. 

All species of hard or stony coral (Order Scleractinia) and all fire coral (Family Milleporidae) are prohibited for harvest in state waters of Florida unless it is pursuant to a research permit. 

What are octocorals?

Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) rule defines octocorals as any erect, non-encrusting species of the Subclass Octocorallia, except for the common sea fan Gorgonia ventalina and the venus sea fan Gorgonia flabellum.  The two sea fans that are not included in the definition of an octocoral are considered Indigenous Marine Prohibited (IMP) species and all harvest of these species is prohibited in state waters unless it is pursuant to a research permit. (See Florida Administrative Code Ch. 68B-42.009).  Octocorals include gorgonians, telestaceans, and soft corals.

What species are considered gorgonians?

The most common gorgonians include sea fingers, candelabrum, sea rods, sea plumes, sea fans (except for the two prohibited species), sea whips, and sea sprays.

What species are considered soft corals?

True soft corals are very rarely found in Florida.  True soft corals belong to the Family Nephtheidae, which are common in the Indo-Pacific, but rarely found in tropical areas of the Atlantic.

Are encrusting species of coral considered an octocoral or a stony coral?

Most species of true encrusting corals are stony corals and are prohibited for harvest.  There are very few species of encrusting corals that are octocorals.   It is advised that you steer clear from harvesting any species of encrusting coral unless you are extremely familiar with your coral taxonomy.

What bag limits and restrictions apply to the recreational harvest of octocorals in Florida?

No more than six octocoral colonies may be harvested per person per day (excluding common and venus sea fans, which are prohibited from harvest).  The octocoral bag limit is included in the aggregate marine life bag limit, which is 20 total marine life fish and invertebrates per person per day (Only five organisms of any one species are allowed unless otherwise noted).  The harvest of substrate (rock) within one inch of the perimeter of the holdfast at the base of the octocoral is permitted, so long as the substrate remains attached to the octocoral.  A saltwater products license (SPL) and marine life endorsement are required to exceed these bag limits.

Can I harvest the non-native orange cup coral Tubastrea coccinea in Florida?

No, orange cup coral is a stony coral in the Order Scleractinia, so it is prohibited from harvest even though it is non-native to Florida.

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