USCRTF Meeting February 27th

[StevenPro]

The US Coral Reef Task Force is holding a meeting Wednesday, February 27th. I will be there as MASNA's rep. Anyone else going?

 

[StevenPro]

I am headed down for the meeting this afternoon. I will try to post a summary of what I hear later. Here is the agenda.

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) marks ten years of collaborative research, management, and conservation of coral reef ecosystems. At this meeting, the USCRTF will assess our collective efforts and accomplishments, highlight remaining needs and challenges, and begin to develop a foundation for a renewed commitment to action.

Each state, territory, commonwealth, and freely associated state member will share their perspective on coral reef conservation in their jurisdiction. Federal agency members will use the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs as a framework for providing updates.

Draft Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 Welcome and Introductions

U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Co-Chairs

9:00 – 9:45 USCRTF – Ten Years of Action, Remaining Challenges, Needs & Plans for the Future

USCRTF Award for Roger Griffis

9:45 – 10:30 International Year of the Reef 2008

Wyland IYOR painting unveiling (15 minutes)

International Coral Reef Initiative Global update – TBD

U.S. IYOR Messaging Campaign – Susie Holst, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation

10:30 – 10:45 Break

10:45 – 11:00 International Coral Reef Initiative Secretariat Update

Christine Dawson – U.S. Department of State

11:00 – 11:10 All Islands Committee Update

Vangie Lujan – All Islands Chair, Guam Point of Contact

11:10 – 12:30 Governor / Jurisdiction Presentations (8 minute presentations to allow for Q&A and discussion)

Caribbean Region

U.S. Virgin Islands

Puerto Rico

Florida

Pacific Region

American Samoa

Guam

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Hawaii

Freely Associated States

Republic of Palau

Federated States of Micronesia (tentative attendance)

Republic of the Marshall Islands (tentative attendance)

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch

1:30 – 2:30 Public Comment

2:30 – 3:30 Keynote Address (45 pres/15 Q&A)

Dr. Nancy Knowlton – Smithsonian Institution Sant Marine Science Chair

3:30 – 3:45 Break

3:45 – 4:30 Coral Reef Ecosystem Management – The Next Ten Years: Challenges, Key Priorities, and Innovative Solutions

Introduction – H.E. Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., President, Republic of Palau

Moderated Panel Discussion

Moderator – Dr. Nancy Knowlton

Panelists

• Billy Causey – NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program

• Noah Idechong – Republic of Palau House of Delegates

• Marea Hatziolos – World Bank

4:30 – 5:00 Discussion with Panelists and Members

5:00 Adjourn