FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2004
CONTACT: Jacob DiPietre, (850) 488-5394

Governor Bush Applauds International Coral Reef Agreement

--Florida, Australia share science to accelerate reef research and resilience--

MIAMI - Governor Jeb Bush today applauded an agreement between the State of Florida, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to promote coral reef resilience through shared science and coastal management.

"Coral reefs are an integral part of Florida's environment, economy and culture," said Governor Bush. "This agreement opens lines of communication between environmental researchers and managers across two continents to benefit reefs throughout the world and ensure they thrive for generations to come."

Signed on the opening day of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in Miami, the international agreement allows marine sanctuary scientists from Australia and the Florida Keys to share information about the natural ability of corals to survive and recover from environmental stresses like pollution, hurricanes, disease and bleaching. Reef managers can then use the latest science to design strategies that improve coral reef resilience and the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

"This unprecedented partnership reinforces Florida's commitment to protecting and restoring coral reefs," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. "Sharing the best available science expands our ability to accelerate global research and improve water quality, wildlife habitat and the resilience of reefs worldwide."

Coral reefs make up less than two-tenths of one percent of the ocean floor but provide habitat for more than 25 percent of all marine life. The most extensive barrier coral reef in the United States is protected by the 2,900-square nautical mile Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - one of 13 in the nation. Over the last five years, Florida designated the state waters of the Sanctuary as a "no discharge zone" and in conjunction with the federal government established the Tortugas Ecological Reserve as one of the largest marine reserves in the world.

"This agreement will help us use science to understand resilience and how this trait can assist us in making sure our children can continue to reap the benefits of these beautiful and productive natural systems," said Billy Causey, superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

With the support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, scientists, marine managers and Florida's citizens are now developing local conservation plans to protect reefs off the coasts of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Florida's waters, beaches and coral reefs support a $53 billion tourism industry, a $14 billion marine industry and a $6.6 billion a year fishing industry.

Composed of representatives of 12 federal agencies, the governors of seven states and territories, and the leaders of the Freely Associated States, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force is leading U.S. efforts to develop a coordinated scientific approach to monitor, conserve and restore coral reef ecosystems in the U.S. and internationally.