Mission

We are a dedicated task force committed to preserving and protecting the invaluable coral reef ecosystems of the United States.

Through strategic partnerships and on-the-ground action, we lead the way in coral reef conservation.

History

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force was established in 1998 by Presidential Executive Order 13089 and codified in 2022 as part of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act. The Task Force has been instrumental in building partnerships and strategies for on-the-ground action to conserve coral reefs. The Task Force works in cooperation with state, territorial, and local government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and commercial interests to further the understanding and conservation of coral reef ecosystems.

Purpose

The Task Force is responsible for leading U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems throughout the Nation. The Task Force is responsible for developing and implementing coordinated efforts to map and monitor U.S. coral reefs; research the causes of, and solutions to coral reef decline; reduce and mitigate coral reef degradation from pollution, over fishing and other causes; and implement strategies to promote conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs internationally.