The United States Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior announce a public meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) Dec. 2-3, in Miami, Fla. Through the coordinated efforts of its members, including representatives of 12 federal agencies, the governors of seven states and territories, and the leaders of the Freely Associated States, the Task Force has helped lead U.S. efforts to protect and manage valuable coral reef ecosystems in the U.S. and internationally.

Three workshop symposiums will be held in conjunction with the meeting. The first, on “Sustainable Diving and Snorkeling Practices,” will be Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 3:00 p.m. Two more will be held on Saturday Dec. 4: “Improving the Science and Management of Florida’s Coral Reef Ecosystems,” and “Damage Assessment and Restoration Protocols for Coral Reef Habitats.” The symposiums and the two-day meeting are free and open to the public.

WHAT:

The 12th biannual meeting of the United States Coral Reef Task Force.

WHEN:

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004 – Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Intercontinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL
NOTE: Advance registration is requested and is available on the Web at: http://www.coralreef.gov

HIGHLIGHTS:

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004 -- U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Business Meeting

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Agenda available on Web site: http://www.ces.fau.edu/taskforce/pdf/ProgramHIC11.3.pdf
8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Remarks by James Connaughton, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality
10:40 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Presentation: “The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Initiative: Connecting Science & Management in the Coastal Ecosystem”
12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. Nancy Foster Great Barrier Reef Naming Ceremony and Lunch (Invitation Only, Open To Media)
1:30 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. Report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, Frank Muller-Karger, Commissioner
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Public Comment Session -- Anyone intending to provide public comment is required to sign-up in advance at the reception desk, or e-mail DaJuana_Blackmon@ios.doi.gov (202) 208-3828. Each speaker will be provided five minutes.

Friday, Dec. 3, 2004 -- U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Business Meeting

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Agenda available on Web site: http://www.ces.fau.edu/taskforce/pdf/ProgramHIC11.3.pdf
9:00 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. Keynote Address: Building Resilient Coral Reef Ecosystems, John Day, Director of Conservation, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Panel presentation: “Building Resilient Coral Reef Ecosystems in South Florida: Challenges and Opportunities.”

 

2004 News Releases