DOI - Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Responsibilities
“Our Nation benefits from the oceans that carry precious natural treasures, carry much of
our trade, and provide us with food and recreational opportunities.”
- President George W. Bush
May 31, 2007
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What is DOI's Role in the Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Environment?
The Department of interior (DOI) plays a vital role in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes conservation. The National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minerals Management Service, and Office of Insular Affairs together manage more than 35,000 miles of coastline, 169 island and coastal refuges, 34 million acres in 74 coastal parks, and 1.8 billion underwater acres of outer continental shelf lands. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cooperatively manages the California Coastal National Monument, running along the entire 840 mile California coast. Through the U.S. Geological Survey, the DOI conducts extensive scientific research on oceans and coastal mapping.
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DOI Protects the Nation’s Coral Reefs
The DOI is intimately involved in conservation of coral reefs ecosystems. With over 3.6 million acres of coral reef and adjacent submerged ecosystems under its jurisdiction, administered by the FWS, NPS, and Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), the DOI is responsible for the largest holding of these fragile ecosystems in the world. Through its science and resource management bureaus, the DOI conducts a wide variety of programs that directly or indirectly protect coral reefs for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.
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 There has been a worldwide decline in coral reef habitats for decades even in many protected areas. In response, Executive Order No. 13089 on Coral Reef Protection was issued in June 1998. The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF), co-chaired by the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce, was created to implement the directives of the Executive order. The mission of the USCRTF, which includes the leaders of twelve Federal agencies, the governors of Florida, Hawaii and the five U.S. territories, is to lead, coordinate, and strengthen U.S. government actions to better preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The presidents of the three freely associated states, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of the Marshall Islands, serve as non-voting members of Task Force but have increased their own roles in coral reef protection through participation in the Micronesian Challenge, which challenges these nations to conserve 30 percent of their coastal and marine environments by 2020.
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U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting
 The USCRTF hosted its 19th meeting on February 27, 2008 in the Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. The participants celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Task Force as well as the International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2008). The members discussed the priority threats facing coral reef ecosystems and what actions and commitments are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable ecosystems. The keynote address was presented by Dr. Nancy Knowlton, the Smithsonian Institution’s Sant Chair of Marine Science. Dr. Knowlton challenged the USCRTF to focus on outcomes that have tangible and measurable impacts on coral reef health. Special guest President H.E. Tommy Remengesau Jr., of the Republic of Palau, gave an inspiring address that highlighted the successes possible when we work beyond traditional political and ecological boundaries. He described how despite the catastrophic bleaching event that occurred in 1998, the coral reefs of Palau have shown incredible resilience and bounced back magnificently. Finally, the official artist of IYOR 2008, Wyland, well known for his large murals of whales and other ocean life, unveiled and dedicated to the USCRTF his original painting “Year of the Reef”. The next USCRTF meeting scheduled for August 25-29, 2008 will be held in Kona, HI.
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Wyland’s, “International Year of the Reef” unveiled at the USCRTF meeting, February 27, 2008.
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DOI Ocean and Coastal Budget
 The 2009 DOI budget includes a $7.9 million increase for and Ocean and Coastal Frontiers initiative to address information gaps and improve integrated ocean and coastal management to protect communities, economies, and wildlife. The initiative seeks three objectives:
- Provide an information base to facilitate establishing the limits of the Nation’sextended continental shelf, beginning with the Arctic.
- Launch a marine debris campaign and protect coral reefs.
- Expand the frontiers of scientific information in collaboration with others.
http://www.doi.gov/budget/2009/09Hilites/DH065.pdf
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NEW DOI Oceans calendar – upcoming ocean related meetings and events
 Send calendar updates, other DOI Oceans website ideas or comments to bret_wolfe@fws.gov
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Press Releases:
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Additional Information:
Learn more about the oceans-related activities of DOI and its partners by visiting the links below:
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DOI Ocean Newsletters:
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