Legislation in some areas has been effective in preventing further coral reef loss. In Australia, zoning laws require individuals who have collector's licenses to collect only in certain areas. Collectors have been able to gather 45 to 50 metric tons of material with no measurable effect on coral reefs. Facilities have been established to measure cyanide levels in live reef fish. The percentage of fish testing positive for cyanide has declined from 80% to 30% in the past five years. Facilities have been able to make a positive impact on coral reef preservation efforts.
Answer: Legislation in some areas has been effective in preventing further coral reef loss. In Australia, zoning laws require individuals who have collector’s licenses to collect only in certain areas. Collectors have been able to gather 45 to 50 metric tons of material with no measurable effect on coral reefs. Facilities have been established to measure cyanide levels in live reef fish. The percentage of fish testing positive for cyanide has declined from 80% to 30% in the past five years. Facilities have been able to make a positive impact on coral reef preservation efforts.
