U.S. CORAL REEF TASK FORCE MEETING
FEBRUARY 24-25, WASHINGTON D.C.
** Registration and Agenda available at http://www.coralreef.gov/ **

The Department of Commerce announces a public meeting of the U.S. Coral
Reef Task Force (CRTF) February 24 – 25, 2004, in Washington, DC.
Through the coordinated efforts of its members, including
representatives of 12 federal agencies, the Governors of seven states
and territories, and the leaders of the Freely Associated States, the
Task Force has helped lead U.S. efforts to protect and manage valuable
coral reef ecosystems in the U.S. and internationally.

WHAT:  The 11th biannual meeting of the United States Coral Reef Task
Force will be held in the auditorium of the U.S. Department of Commerce
at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. This
two-day meeting will include

- Tuesday Feb 24:  a mini symposium featuring case studies illustrating
the important role of education and outreach in coral reef conservation
and two science panels,
- Wednesday Feb 25:  a business meeting of the full Task Force.

During the February 25 business meeting, the CRTF will report on the
implementation of 3-year Local Action Strategies, discuss the status of
Task Force resolutions, update action items from the 10th CRTF meeting
in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands and Guam, and hear
public comments.  The two-day meeting is open to the public.

For security reasons advance registration is requested using the USCRFT
website: www.coralreef.gov.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 24, 2004 – Wednesday, February 25, 2004  9:00
a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:  U.S. Department of Commerce Auditorium, 14th Street and
Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington D.C.
**  Please use main entrance on 14th Street. **

HIGHLIGHTS:

Tuesday, February 24, 2004

9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mini Outreach and Education Symposium
         “Influencing Perceptions and Behavior:
        The Role of Outreach and Education In Coral Reef Conservation”

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Science Panel I:  “Assessing Effects of Land
Based Sources of Pollution on Coral Reefs: Current Science, Case
Studies, and Tools”

3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – Science Panel II:  “Assessing Effects of Climate
Change on Coral Reefs: Current Science, Case Studies, and Tools”

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Business Meeting
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.  Agenda available on website: www.coralreef.gov

1:30 p.m.  - 2:30 p.m.  Public Comment Session

Anyone intending to provide public comment is required to sign-up in
advance. Each speaker will be given five minutes. To sign-up for public
comments or other information, contact Shane Guan at Shane.Guan@noaa.gov