Mark Kirk: “The Coral Reef and Coastal Marine Conservation Act of 2001 will credit qualified developing nations for each dollar…”

“The Coral Reef and Coastal Marine Conservation Act of 2001 will credit qualified developing nations for each dollar spent on a comprehensive reef preservation or management program designed to protect these unique ecosystems from degradation. This bill builds on the model of the Tropical Forest Conservation Act, expanding it to include coral reefs. Madam Speaker, it is said that coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean. Although they occupy less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the marine environment, coral reefs are home to more than one-quarter of all known marine fish species. Coral reefs are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth. About 4,000 species of fish and 800 species of reef-building corals have already been identified. However, scientists have barely begun to catalogue the total number of species found within these habitats. Their scientific value cannot be underestimated. Yet, they are disappearing at an alarming rate.”