Task Force

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CRTF Purpose

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 for current and future generations.

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (CRTF) was established in June 1998 through Executive Order #13089 on Coral Reef Protection to lead the U.S. response to this growing, global environmental crisis. 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;
• implement strategies to promote conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs internationally.

For a full description of the CRTF mission and duties, please see Executive Order 13089 on Coral Reef Protection.