Large-Scale Trade in Legally Protected Marine Mollusc Shells from Java and Bali, Indonesia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tropical marine molluscs are traded globally. Larger species with slow life histories are under threat from over-exploitation. We report on the trade in protected marine mollusc shells in and from Java and Bali, Indonesia. Since 1987 twelve species of marine molluscs are protected under Indonesian law to shield them from overexploitation. Despite this protection they are traded openly in large volumes.

Methodology/principal findings

We collected data on species composition, origins, volumes and prices at two large open markets (2013), collected data from wholesale traders (2013), and compiled seizure data by the Indonesian authorities (2008-2013). All twelve protected species were observed in trade. Smaller species were traded for

SUBMITTER: Nijman V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4696778 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature