China prevents massive coral heist

Authorities on the Chinese island of Hainan have seized 40 tonnes of stolen coral, according to state media.

Police set up an ambush in a car park in Haikou city, after getting a tip-off about two trucks containing the illegal harvest, Xinhua news agency said.

The truck drivers claimed they were carrying rocks, but the vehicles were found to contain live coral.

The coral was immediately returned to the sea so it could have a chance of surviving, Xinhua said.

Correspondents say the growing demand for coral has fuelled the destructive harvesting of reefs - in China and elsewhere.

About 95% of China's reefs are under significant threat, according to the French news agency AFP.

The coral is used as food, jewellery and ornaments for aquariums.

China's most extensive reefs are located near Hainan Island, and the marine authorities there enforce a strict ban on the removal of coral.