Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of 2005

This bill, introduced in 2005, aims to protect coral reef ecosystems by making it illegal to collect, import, export, or sell certain species of coral and ornamental reef fish within the United States. While it establishes strict penalties for illegal trade, it provides exceptions for scientific research, public displays in museums or zoos, and sustainable aquaculture, provided the specimens are not collected using destructive methods like explosives or poisons. For the average citizen, this legislation would primarily impact the aquarium trade and personal collection, ensuring that reef-related products are sourced legally and sustainably while empowering federal agencies to coordinate international conservation efforts.