The United States is one of many nations around the world working to halt the coral reef crisis and protect, restore and sustainably use coral reef ecosystems. The United States Coral Reef Task Force (CRTF) was established in 1998 by Presidential Executive Order #13089 to lead U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The CRTF has been instrumental in building partnerships and strategies for on-the-ground action to conserve coral reefs. The Task Force works in cooperation with State, territorial, commonwealth, and local government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, the scientific community, and commercial interests to further the understanding and conservation of our coral reef ecosystems.

The CRTF is responsible for overseeing implementation of the Executive Order, and developing and implementing coordinated efforts to map and monitor U.S. coral reefs; research the causes and solutions to coral reef degradation; reduce and mitigate coral reef degradation from pollution, over fishing and other causes; and implement strategies to promote conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs internationally.

In 2000 the Task Force developed the National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation (National Action Plan), the first comprehensive U.S. strategy to conserve coral reefs. The plan outlines 13 integrated conservation strategies within two fundamental themes to address the most pressing challenges facing reefs today. To help implement the National Action Plan, the Task Force has launched a variety of initiatives and provides a forum for supporting collaborative action of its members and partner organizations.

Task Force Members meet biannually to discuss key issues, propose new actions, present progress reports, and update the coral community on past accomplishments and future plans. In addition, the Task Force’s Steering Committee – made up of representatives from each of the participating federal agencies, states, and territories – meets monthly to discuss progress of current Task Force Initiatives and plan new areas for collaboration.