The earthquake and aftermath may affect to some small degree the collection of some corals. My sources say most collection was not done within the affected area. For the folks there, in other areas of Indonesia that are quite a distance from the affected area, the industry folks are eager to begin getting an income again after 5 months of zero income. Not being there on the ground at this moment it's difficult for us to understand the situation there. Indonesia is spread over a large area and the area affected by the earthquake is in a relatively small area. Since news of the lifting of the ban is very new I don't know that even the exporters know the true impact of the earthquake and aftermath yet. The exporters are located in Jakarta or Bali and Sulawesi is some distance from those locations. I know for me personally, it will be some time before I actually go there and hand-pick since I need to wait until my suppliers get all the permits in place and have some ultra grade stock. I always go there and pick my own stock.
As far a donating funds to send there, my recommendation is to look at who ever you decide to send money to as far as the organization's percentage that actually goes to victims. I've heard the Red Cross is there and helping the folks affected, but I think thats different from the American Red Cross. When dealing with a place like Indonesia you would be well advised to be cautious about who you give money to if you want it to actually help the folks affected. I'll ask my contacts and see what they say.
