Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and greatly support the vast biodiversity on Earth. They play fundamental roles in supporting and providing for marine ecosystems and human society by protecting coastlines from damage caused by natural factors, providing habitats and shelter for many marine organisms, and keeping chemical and nutrient levels stable within their ecosystems, in addition to providing income, jobs, protection, food, and medicine for many people. Coral reefs are extremely important to maintaining balance in the oceans and on the entire planet. Unfortunately, coral reefs are being threatened by many different natural and anthropogenic (human) impacts, and are in danger of disappearing. Causes of coral reef destruction include natural disasters, ocean acidification, destructive fishing practices, pollution, sedimentation, and climate change, among many others. If something isn’t done to prevent the destruction of coral reefs, many species will disappear, and humans will lose the many resources and innumerous benefits that coral reefs provide.
The Coral Reef Conservation Act was originally enacted in 2000. Its original purpose was to protect coral reef ecosystems and promote wise management and sustainable use of them by developing sound scientific information on the condition of and threats to those ecosystems, as well as to support conservation programs, among other things. Since then, it has been reauthorized and amended multiple times. The most recent proposal was the Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2013, which was introduced in the House of Representatives at the 113th Congress. Unfortunately, it was never passed and was dropped. This is a big issue because continuing to pass bills that promote the conservation of coral reefs is crucial to ensuring that the United States is active in protecting coral reefs and preventing destruction of those ecosystems.
This petition will urge Congress to re-introduce the most recent bill, and make sure that the United States continues to take action to save the coral reefs. It will allow organizations that have been working to protect the reefs to continue their work and have even more influence. Saving the coral reefs will help maintain Earth’s biodiversity and allow humans to continue to benefits from all the things they provide to society. #SavetheCoralReefs!
