ACTION ALERT
CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF!! 

URGE YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR CONGRESSMAN SAXTON'S "CORAL REEF PROTECTION RESOLUTION OF 1997"

Join American Oceans Campaign (AOC) in our fight to protect coral reefs from further destruction by urging your U.S. Representative to cosponsor Congressman Saxton's (R-NJ) H. Con. Res. 8, the "Coral Reef Protection Resolution of 1997."  H. Con. Res. 8 coincides with the celebration of the International Year of the Reef, a worldwide effort driven by scientists, environmentalists, policymakers, natural resource managers and non- governmental organizations to bring global attention to the value of coral reef ecosystems and the dangers they face.  

The value of coral reef ecosystems is inestimable.  Coral reefs provide food and habitat for 25 percent of all marine life and 15 percent of the world's fish catch.  These glorious underwater "rainforests" generate billions of dollars in tourist expenditures annually for coastal communities.  Unfortunately, coral reefs are being ravaged by coastal pollution, habitat destruction, dangerous fishing practices, coastal development and numerous other environmental stresses.  

"The current status of these magical ecosystems is indeed grim," said AOC President Ted Danson.  "With ten percent of the world's reefs already gone and another 30 percent suffering from irreversible damage, now is the time to act to restore and protect coral reef ecosystems for the overwhelming numbers of marine life they support and the intrigue they offer to us all.  Mr. Saxton, as a leader of ocean policy, has recognized this, and we thank him for it.  This is truly a victory for the reefs!"

H. Con Res. 8 is a promising declaration from U.S. lawmakers that coral reefs are vital to the survival of living marine resources and the world economy.  It expresses a sense of the Congress to: promote stewardship of coral reef ecosystems, encourage research and education of coral reef ecosystems, and improve coordination of coral reef activities among Federal agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and industry.

*To find out the phone number for your U.S. Representative, contact the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.  

*If you would like additional information about coral reef ecosystems, contact Tanya Dobrzynski at American Oceans Campaign at (202) 544-3526.