Corals threatened 

For the first time in history, the IUCN Red List of threatened species includes three corals.A study sponsored by Conservation International (CI) and implemented jointly with the IUCN (World Conservation Union)

used data from the Galápagos-based Charles Darwin Research Station and other regional institutions to conclude that three species of corals unique to the Galápagos Islands could soon be extinct. 

The 2007 IUCN Red List designates two of the corals – Floreana coral (Tubastrea floreana) and Wellington’s solitary coral (Rhizopsammia wellingtoni) – as Critically Endangered, whilst a third – Polycyathus isabela – is listed as Vulnerable.  

Malaysia

Ministry to stop serving shark fin 

The Malaysian Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and its agencies will stop serving shark’s fin soup at their functions.Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid said this was the ministry's commitment to the Malaysian Nature Society's Selangor branch marine group's effort to encourage individuals and organisations not to serve shark's fin soup at corporate functions and events."By refraining from the consumption of shark's fin soup, it is hoped that the ministry would contribute in one way or another towards the current conservation efforts for shark species," he said.