Coral Reef Conservation
H.R. 860 the Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009.
Issue: Our industry supports the goals of conserving and protecting the coral in our nation’s waters, but under the new amendments we are concerned that the legislation’s expansive definition of “coral reef” is potentially limitless in its application and would lead to confusion within the regulated community, excessive legal jeopardy for recreational boaters and fishermen, and consequently cause a negative impact on recreational access to large portions of the ocean. H.R 860’s expansive definition of coral reef in Sec. 107(3) is a significant change from the previous version which stated “coral reef” is “composed primarily of living zooxanthellate stony corals. . .” The current version leaves out primarily with the end result being any living or dead carbonate structure, like those found in numerous areas on our coasts, would qualify for sanctuary protections under this legislation.
Action: AMI has signed on with several other organizations asking that the original definition of coral reef be included in the amendments.