Soto’s Restoring Resilient Reefs Act Included in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Darren Soto’s (FL-09) bill, the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act, was passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act reauthorizes and modernizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, strengthens NOAA's Coral Reef program, and gives innovative new tools and resources to states, territories, and local communities. Now, the FY23 NDAA heads to President Biden for his signature.

The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired over 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation's reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation's coral reefs has only become more severe. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act authorizes five years of federal funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and local communities to restore and manage coral reef ecosystems. The legislation also codifies and updates the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and encourages innovative new Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships among resource management agencies, research centers, and community stakeholders.

"Our Florida coral reefs are national treasures that contain part of the most diverse ecosystems on planet Earth," said Congressman Soto. "Time and time again, we've witnessed how the effects of climate change, overfishing, pollution, and development have threatened the vitality of coral reefs around our coasts. I’m thankful that our legislation was included in the FY23 NDAA and will help protect our environment – specifically our precious habitats for marine life. I look forward to seeing key federal programs reauthorized and funded to help stop the deterioration of our coral reefs. In Florida, our way of life certainly depends on it.”

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