Coral Reef Protection

This executive order establishes a federal policy to protect U.S. coral reef ecosystems by requiring agencies to identify actions affecting reefs and avoid degrading them. It creates the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force co-chaired by Interior and Commerce to coordinate mapping, monitoring, research, conservation, and international cooperation efforts.

Federal Register Open PDF 63 FR 32701

Key directives

All federal agencies must identify actions that may affect U.S. coral reef ecosystems
Agencies shall utilize programs and authorities to protect and enhance reef ecosystems
Agencies must ensure authorized/funded/carried out actions do not degrade reef conditions
Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Commerce shall co-chair U.S. Coral Reef Task Force through NOAA Administrator
Task Force shall oversee implementation and guide U.S. Coral Reef Initiative
Task Force shall coordinate comprehensive mapping and monitoring program
Task Force shall develop research on causes and consequences of reef degradation
Task Force shall develop measures to reduce/mitigate degradation and restore damaged reefs
Task Force shall review existing legislation and recommend additional legislation if appropriate
Task Force shall evaluate and enhance navigational aids for coral reef locations
Secretary of State and USAID Administrator shall assess U.S. role in international trade and protection of coral reef species

Timeline

Immediate

Task Force establishment with specified membership
Federal agencies must begin identifying actions affecting coral reefs

Near term (90d)

Agency review of participation in U.S. Coral Reef Initiative
Initial coordination on mapping and monitoring programs

Long term

Development of research programs on coral degradation causes
Recommendations for additional legislation if needed
Implementation of conservation and restoration measures
Enhanced navigational aids for reef locations
International trade and conservation strategies

Risks & tensions

No hard deadlines specified; implementation contingent on 'availability of appropriations'
Exceptions clause (war, national security, emergencies) may substantially weaken protective mandate
Task Force membership is inclusive but 'not be limited to' language creates uncertainty about required participation
Cooperative/consultative framework with many stakeholders may slow decision-making
No enforcement mechanism or judicial review available per Section 6 disclaimer