Hirono, Takai Unveil Proposal To Increase Coral Reef Conservation

Press Release

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Mark Takai (D-HI) introduced the Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act, legislation that would jumpstart research related to coral reef conservation.

"In the past two years, Hawaii's coral reefs have experienced two serious coral bleaching events, and with rising ocean temperatures, we can expect these events to become more commonplace," said Senator Hirono. "There is much to be learned about mitigation and the long term effects of coral bleaching, and this legislation will spur research to better protect this precious natural resource."

"It is very important we do everything we can to conserve the precious coral reef our state is home to. Through this legislation, we will promote innovative new ways we can protect our aina and a resource that is vital to Hawaii's economy. I look forward to seeing what the scientists come up with and the implementation of the winning design," said Representative Takai.

Coral reef ecosystems are marine biodiversity hotspots that provide food for millions of people and also protect our shorelines from storms and erosion. Coral reefs in Hawaii alone are worth $385 million per year to the local economy and taking into account all of the services, they provide have a net present value of $10 billion.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared a worldwide coral bleaching event that will impact 95% of U.S. coral reefs, including reefs in Hawaii. Long-term coral bleaching leaves reefs vulnerable to disease outbreaks and death.

This no-cost bill would encourage the 12 federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes NOAA, the Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense, to collaboratively use existing funds across agencies to carry out a competitive prize competition. The legislation also allows the Federal agencies to work with private entities to both fund and administer the prize competitions. Prize competitions that encourage public-private partnerships like this have a history of incentivizing innovative research that can be integrated into a Federal ocean management strategy.

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