Coral Reef Protection
Headline: Federal Agencies Ordered to Protect U.S. Coral Reef Ecosystems
What it does: Federal agencies must identify reef-impacting actions, use their authorities to protect and enhance reefs, and avoid authorizing activities that degrade reef conditions.
- Creates a federal Task Force to coordinate coral reef protection efforts.
- Requires agencies to reduce pollution, sedimentation, and harmful fishing impacts.
- Establishes mapping, monitoring, and research programs for U.S. coral reefs.
Summary
This order directs federal agencies to protect and conserve U.S. coral reef ecosystems. Agencies must identify actions that affect reefs, use their authorities to protect and enhance reef conditions, and avoid authorizing activities that would degrade reefs.
It creates a U.S. Coral Reef Task Force co-chaired by the Interior and Commerce Departments to coordinate mapping, monitoring, research, restoration, and international cooperation. The Task Force will work with state and local partners, scientists, and businesses to reduce pollution, overfishing, and other threats.
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