INTRODUCTION

  • The world's major coral reef science meeting, the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS), is held every 4 years.

  • The sanctioning organization is the International Society of Reef Studies.

  • The ICRS is devoted to the best reef science available, with the purpose of sharing scientific findings with government agencies, resource management, and non-government organizations throughout the world.

  • Previous ICRS have been held in Okinawa (2004), Bali (2000), Panama (1996), Guam (1992), Australia (1988), Tahiti (1985), the Philippines (1980), Miami (1977), Australia (1974), and the 1st ICRS in India (1969).

    * Eusmilia fastigiata: Charles Messing, then a graduate student at RSMAS and now a professor at NSU OC, illustrated this flower coral (Eusmilia fastigiata) for the cover of the Third International Reef Symposium volume 1 (Miami, 1977). A few unnumbered copies of the original print run are still available. Contact "Charles Messing" <messingc barney nova fred edu> for more details.

    Proceedings from ICRS meetings 1-8 (1969-1996) can be found here.

  • The 2008 11th ICRS was awarded to U.S. and Florida.

  • Over 2,000 attendees are anticipated. The symposium is applicable to a wide audience including academics, marine managers, conservationists, and graduate and undergraduate students.

  • The 11th ICRS is proud to be recognized as a keystone event within the International Year of the Reef 2008.


    For info contact: "Francis Staub" <info barney iyor fred org>
U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Home Page

U.S. CORAL REEF TASK FORCE

  • Commitment to Coral Reef Conservation
  • Leadership
  • Research
  • Management
  • Education
The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force’s (USCRTF) mission is to lead, coordinate, and strengthen U.S. government actions to better preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The Task Force is co-chaired by the Departments of Commerce and of the Interior, and includes leaders of 12 federal agencies, seven U.S. states and territories, and three freely associated states. To implement the policies and requirements of the Executive Order, the Task Force has provided a forum for coordinated planning and action among federal agencies, state and territorial governments, and nongovernmental partners. To fulfill its mission, the Task Force developed national strategies, targeted initiatives, and new partnerships to strengthen stewardship of the coral reef ecosystems in the United States, territories, commonwealths, and internationally.

Co-Chairs:
  • Department of Commerce (NOAA)
  • Department of Interior (Insular Affairs, FWS, NPS, MMS, USGS)
Federal Agency Members:
  • U.S. Agency for International Development
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Defense (Navy, ACOE)
  • Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard)
  • Department of Justice
  • Department of State
  • Department of Transportation
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • National Aeronautics & Space Administration
  • National Science Foundation
State and Territory Members:
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
  • State of Florida
  • State of Hawaii
  • Territory of American Samoa
  • Territory of Guam
  • Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Non-Voting Members:
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Republic of the Marshall Islands
  • Republic of Palau

STATE OF FLORIDA

With the longest coastline of the 48 contiguous states, 41 aquatic preserves and three of the nation’s National Estuarine Research Reserves, Florida is undeniably an ocean state. Over the last five years, Florida has established the benchmark for ocean protection by significantly restricting offshore drilling, establishing the Tortugas Ecological Reserve as one of the largest marine reserves in the world, creating a “no-discharge zone” in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and developing partnerships with the cruise ship and marine industries to improve environmental management practices. Upgrading wastewater systems and acquiring land in the Florida Keys is also protecting the third largest barrier reef in the world.


ATTRIBUTES:
  • The only barrier reef system in North America.
  • Most extensive potential coral reef ecosystems in the U.S.
  • Highly visited and utilized reefs.
  • Large research data base.
  • South Florida easily accessible international destination: 3 gateway airports.
  • Degradation, common to the world’s reefs.
  • Significant economic impact.
  • Intensive management.