The document contains five papers presented at a symposium.The first presents an overview of the value of coral reef ecosystems to developing countries the impacts of international trade on coral reefs and local communitiesthe role of the U.S. as a major consumer nation and driving factor in the international trade of corals and coral reef speciesThe authors recommend that the U.S. itself play a greater role in discouraging destructive practices by: helping reward responsible practicescreating market incentives for responsible behaviorsrequiring certification of non-destructive collection practices and demonstration of sustainable collection of coral reef species The second paper considers existing US measures to encourage responsible trade and makes recommendations to improve on those measures which include:more marine reservesaddress the free trade/natural resource conflictphase out wild reef species importsaddress climate changediscourage coral reef mining