Florida to host next ICRS in 2008

[michaelg]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2004

 

GOVERNOR BUSH APPLAUDS Florida'S SELECTion AS HOST FOR 2008 International

Coral Reef Symposium

 

--Event focuses on marine and reef protection--

 

 

 

OKINAWA, JAPAN- Governor Jeb Bush today applauded a decision by the 10th

International Coral Reef Symposium to hold the 2008 international summit in

Florida. The Sunshine State was chosen from scores of international

locations as host for the conference that draws thousands of coral reef

experts from around the world.

 

"The Sunshine State is a natural location for this prestigious gathering of

ocean scientists," said Governor Bush. "Florida's commitment to coastal

protection serves as an international model. This meeting of the minds will

increase protection for some of the world's most diverse and sensitive

natural systems."

 

 

 

Held every four years, the week-long gathering attracts an international

array of coral reef scientists, governments and non-governmental

organizations to exchange information on research, management and coral reef

conservation. The last two symposia were held in the eastern Pacific -- Bali

and Okinawa.

 

 

 

Drawing millions of visitors each year, Florida's clear waters, sandy

beaches and coral reefs support a $53 billion tourism industry and a $14

billion marine industry. Recognizing the importance of healthy coastal

habitats, Florida has taken important steps to strengthen protection for

coral reefs over the last five years.

 

 

 

Florida is home to North America's only barrier coral reef system. In 2001,

the State and federal governments designated the Florida Keys National

Marine Sanctuary as a "no discharge zone" and established the Tortugas

Ecological Reserve to create the largest underwater refuge in the Northern

Hemisphere.

 

 

 

Last year, Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet adopted a rule for laying

underwater fiber optic cable using designated reef gaps off the coast of

Broward and Palm Beach counties, which protects coral while maintaining

South Florida as a gateway for worldwide communications. Governor Bush this

year proposed funding to enhance science-based ocean management, advance

state-of-the-art coastal observation technologies, expand recreation and

ocean education, and restore coral reefs.

 

 

 

Coral reefs are some of the most remarkable habitats on Earth. While making

up less than two-tenth's of one percent of the ocean floor, they provide

habitat for more than 25 percent of all marine life. In addition, compounds

from coral reefs have been harvested to treat health conditions.

 

 

 

The National Coral Reef Institute at Nova Southeastern University, the

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, National Oceanic Atmospheric

Administration, Florida Institute of Technology, University of South Florida

and Florida Institute of Oceanography worked together to bring the

International Coral Reef Symposium to Florida.

 

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