Coral reefs are in crisis worldwide. One of the least known environmental emergencies is the decline of coral reefs globally. Last year President Clinton established the Coral Reef Task Force by Executive Order 13089. The second meeting of the CRTF will be held March 5 - 6 in Maui, Hawaii. The purpose of this meeting will be to present plans developed to address the global coral reef crisis.

As a member of the media you are invited to attend the meeting as well as participate in additional activities designed to give reporters a first-hand look at the problems facing coral reef ecosystems.

Additionally, on March 4, prior to the CRTF meeting, the Center for Marine Conservation, NOAA and the State of Hawaii will host a panel discussion on human impact to coral reefs. The goal is to help define stress and degradation in coral reef habitats. I encourage you to participate.

Enclosed is a preliminary meeting agenda and a summary of possible decisions to be announced at the meeting

The Meeting will be held at the Outrigger Wailea Beach Hotel on the island of Maui. Rooms may be reserved by calling the hotel at 800-367-2960. A block of rooms is being held under "Coral Reef Task Force". If you are interested in attending, please contact me at (202) 482-6090. I will glad to make additional arrangements for you to interview researchers, examine the coral reef habitat and obtain background materials.

Sincerely,

Matt Stout
NOAA Public Affairs

U.S. Coral reef Task Force Meeting
March 5-6, 1999
Maui Hawaii

Thursday, March 4

Arrival day

(The Center for Maine conservation, NOAA, and the State of Hawaii will host a science panel discussion focused on how to define and evaluate disturbance, stress, and degradation of coal reefs.)

Evening reception

Friday, March 5

8:00 AM
Media Registration

8:30AM
Opening remarks by Task Force Co-Chairmen
Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt
Commerce Undersecretary D. James Baker

9:00AM
Report from Islands Coral Reef Initiative

10:00AM
Comments on implementing Executive Order 13089 from non-governmental organizations, members of the scientific community, and commercial interests.

11:00AM
Working group reports

NOON
Lunch

1:30PM
Working Group Reports

3:15PM
Round Table discussion by Task Force members on major issues and proposed activities

5:30PM
Adjourn for the day

Saturday, March 6

6:30 - 10:00AM
Task Force visit to Molokini

11:00AM
Round Table discussion on federal, state, territory and commonwealth partnerships.

12:30 PM
Lunch

2:00PM
Task Force discussion and development consensus on guidance to working groups for priority action.

4:00PM
Co-Chair summarize Task Force Decisions

4:30PM
Adjourn Meeting and MEDIA AVAILABILITY

6:30PM
Reception at Maui Ocean Center

Sunday, March 7

MEDIA FIELD TRIPS
Snorkel/Dive in Lanai, Maui, or Molokini

POSSIBLE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND DELEVERABLES AT THE MEETING

• Coral reef bleaching record
• FY 2000 federal agency budget cross cut for coral reefs
• Design to compile a directory of current Federal coral activity
• Working Group strategies and actions
• Hawaii's Emergency Coral Response Program
• Western Pacific Fishery Management Council Coral Reef Management