Doriano Belloni began exploring the turquoise waters off the Italian island of Sardinia when he was a child. 

Searching for coral soon became his passion - and his livelihood.  

Now 70 years old, he still dives every summer in search of one of the Mediterranean’s gems, the spectacular red coral which is sought by buyers in Italy and abroad. 

He is the first to admit the need to protect red coral for the future.

“With this job, we have to live; we have to support our families,” Doriano says. “It is in our interest to ensure the resources continue to exist. So we don’t destroy the coral.”

Read the beautiful FAO story on Protecting vulnerable marine species is critical for fishers and artisans in Italy