The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has approved legislation that will reauthorise the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and the measure, which is sponsored by Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, will now go to the full House for consideration.
Faleomavaega said that with the input of the Bush Administration as well as interested committee members, some important additions have been made to the bill as it has undergone the amendment process.
In addition to the one million US dollar authorisation for a Marine Science Laboratory at the American Samoa Community College, general support for academic institutions and existing coral reef institutes is also authorised to expand coral reef research and education in all the coral reef areas.
The bill also includes new community based planning grants that allow the development and implementation of coral protection plans.