In a controversial move, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has withdrawn its proposal to list two species of Hawaiian corals under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The decision, which was made on December 12, 2022, has drawn criticism from conservationists who say it puts these rare corals at risk.

The two corals in question are the cauliflower coral (Pocillopora acuta) and the rice coral (Montipora capitata). Both species are found only in the Hawaiian Islands and are considered to be "threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The NMFS proposed listing the corals under the ESA in 2019, but the decision was delayed due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In its final decision, the NMFS said that the corals did not meet the criteria for listing under the ESA because they were not "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range."

The NMFS decision has been met with criticism from conservationists, who say it ignores the threats facing Hawaiian corals. They point to the fact that both the cauliflower coral and the rice coral have experienced significant population declines in recent years due to a number of factors, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

"The NMFS decision is a major setback for Hawaiian corals," said Dr. Ruth Gates, a marine biologist at the University of Hawaii. "These corals are already facing a number of threats, and listing them under the ESA would have provided them with much-needed protection."

The NMFS decision is not final and can be challenged in court. Conservationists are currently considering legal action to overturn the decision and have the corals listed under the ESA.

If the corals are not listed under the ESA, they will not receive the same level of protection from the federal government. This could make them more vulnerable to extinction.