Fouled colonies were those showing fouling organisms such as algae or
fire corals colonizing the blade.
We visited an impressive jungle of
fire coral, a mangrove-covered caye inhabited solely by birds, and a caye devoted to a luxury resort closed for the season.
Among the most prominent of these "false corals" are the organ-pipe coral (Tubipora musica) an Octocorallian, and the common "
fire coral," the Hydrozoan Millepora dichotoma.
Concern about the potentially damaging effects of coral harvest on the survival of reef ecosystems prompted member nations to list 17 genera of the most popular corals in trade in Appendix II of CITES in 1985 and the remaining stony coral species in 1989; currently all scleractinian coral, black coral, blue coral,
fire coral, organ-pipe coral, giant clams, and queen conch are listed on the controlled list in Appendix II.
The most common injuries occur from coming in contact with
fire coral, stinging hydroids, jellyfish or scrapes from hard coral.
Exquisite shells,
fire coral and sea fans are used as accessories along with art glass, gilded sconces and carefully selected artwork and antiques.