U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Aims to Reduce Marine Debris on Florida’s Coral Reefs
AUGUST 18, 2017--On August 8, the NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) participated in the 38th meeting of the United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The USCRTF helps to build partnerships, specific strategies, and support for actions needed to conserve coral reefs. During the meeting, the USCRTF hosted multiple workshops on different topics impacting the health of coral reefs.
A workshop on Marine Debris and Florida’s Coral Reefs included presenters from federal, state and local agencies, academia and industry. Charles Grisafi, the MDP Florida and Caribbean Regional Coordinator, presented an overview of the MDP's involvement in the recently completed Florida Marine Debris Reduction Guidance Plan (FMDRGP). He discussed how the FMDRGP provides guidance and structure for identifying specific goals, objectives, strategies and recommended actions towards reducing marine debris in Florida, including actions that aim to improve the health of Florida's coral reefs.
Other presentations during the workshop highlighted policies and programs currently in place in Florida that are helping to implement the FMDRGP and reduce marine debris threats to coral reefs. A panel discussion at the end of the workshop allowed for constructive conversations between workshop attendees on ways to improve putting the plan into action, and how to incorporate additional partners and volunteers to assist with implementation.
For additional information, please contact: Charles.Grisafi@noaa.gov.