Source: Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo
[1]Jan 10, 2013

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo reintroduced two bills, H.R. 69, the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Enforcement Act of 2013, and H.R. 71, the Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2013.

H.R. 71, Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2013 – If enacted, it would strengthen the Coral Reef Conservation Act by acting on changes recommended by the All Islands Coral Reef Initiative Committee. The bill seeks to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to respond to emergency or disaster-related situations and minimize the likelihood of vessel impacts on coral reefs. The legislation would establish community-based planning grants for states and territories to support projects that address emerging threats to corals. The legislation also promotes international cooperation by authorizing NOAA to engage with international partners to protect coral reef ecosystems. Moreover, it would codify the United States Coral Reef Task Force established in 1998 by President Clinton through Executive Order 13089. The Task Force’s mission is to coordinate the efforts of the United States in promoting conservation and the sustainable use of coral reefs internationally.

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