Ocean and fishery authorities from the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian province halted 15 vessels suspected of illegally harvesting red coral off the town of Suao, on Feb 4, people.com.cn reported on Feb 5 Thursday, in one of the the biggest crackdowns on illegal red coral removal in Fujian.

Ships suspected of illegal red coral harvests, held Pingtan, Fujian province, on Feb 4. [Photo/people.com.cn]

The ship owners did not have the requisite licenses and the ships contained tools adapted specifically for red coral and there was coral residue on the boats, which are being detained by the authorities as the case gets further investigation.

Red coral is similar to gemstones in its popular use for jewelry.