The plan is a detailed roadmap for what the U.S. must do to address the most pressing threats to coral reefs. Since May, Task Force members working with many non-governmental partners have made significant progress in implementing the National Action Plan, as highlighted in its new status report. I am very pleased that several members of the Task Force could be here to answer questions about their important efforts. Special thanks go to Lelei Peau, Deputy Director of the America Samoan Department of Commerce, for coming so far to represent the state and territory members of the Task Force. These important partners are on the front lines in protecting our coral reefs.
Individual citizens can do many things to get involved.
We can participate in reef clean-ups. We can help monitor coral reef health. We can help prevent pollution and boat anchors from destroying reefs. And one of the most important things we can do, is be informed consumers. The Coral Reef Task Force has found that the U.S. is the world's number one importer of coral and coral reef fish.