The Task Force was formed in response to President Clinton's June 1998 Executive Order to coordinate and address critical problems in the protection and restoration of coral reef ecosystems in U.S., commonwealth and territorial waters and to work in partnership internationally to reduce significant threats to coral reefs worldwide. The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force will meet in Biscayne National Park, Florida on October 19th and 20th.
Media can attend the whole two day session.
Due to the size of the room, all discussions are being broadcast in a press tent outside the Visitor's Center but access to the room will be available as space allows. Co-chairman Secretary Babbitt and either Deputy Commerce Secretary Robert Mallett or Under Secretary and NOAA Administrator Dr. D. James Baker summarize Task Force decisions and next steps. Interior Secretary Babbitt and Under Secretary Baker will be aboard. The boat will leave from the boat ramp at Homestead Waterfront Park with shuttle service to be provided from Biscayne National Park.