"Coral reefs, which are home to nearly one-quarter of all fish species, are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth; they are also among the most imperiled," said Service Acting Director John Rogers. "Stopping the illegal commercial exploitation of coral species is a vital part of U.S. and international efforts to save these resources."
Leventis, and his business, Greek Imports, Inc. were indicted in November 1998 on conspiracy, smuggling, and wildlife charges along with Esther T. Flores, the owner and operator of a seashell and souvenir exporting business located in Cebu City, Republic of the Philippines. The pair were accused of conspiring to smuggle protected corals and seashells into the United States from that country using false declarations, invoices, and shipping documents to circumvent U.S. and Philippine laws as well as international trade restrictions that protect corals and other marine species.
Commercial exploitation is a serious threat to the continued viability of the worlds coral reefs, nearly 60 percent of which are considered at risk because of human activities. Dangers range from illegal trade and destructive fishing practices to coastal development and marine pollution. Large-scale degradation of reefs has already occurred in east Africa, south and southeast Asia, parts of the Pacific, and the Caribbean.
Concern for reef conservation prompted the Philippines to ban the export of corals in 1977. Many of the species targeted by Leventis and his alleged supplier (which include blue, organ-pipe, branch, brush, staghorn, finger, brown stem, mushroom, and feather corals) have been listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1985. Such species may not be legally traded without export permits from the country of origin.
On Monday, Leventis and his company were found guilty on two counts of violating the Lacey Act
