ENFORCEMENT WORKING GROUP

Purpose of the Working Group:

In accordance with 16 USC §6451-6455, the USCRTF Enforcement Working Group seeks to conserve coral reef ecosystems by enhancing local and regional emergency response capabilities, strengthening and standardizing enforcement and damage assessment actions, and, where needed, developing additional legal authorities and improving law enforcement of illegal coral reef species trade and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and other illegal activities.

1. Share knowledge and successful enforcement-related activities among working group members.
2. Identify actionable steps USCRTF members can take to address enforcement.
3. Utilize capacity assessments and other surveys to identify impediments to achieving compliance in the jurisdictions.
4. Determine if additional analyses and threat assessments could yield a clearer statement of needs and allow agencies and organizations to align support better to address those needs.
5. Support legal fellows and improve regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and training.
6. Support jurisdictional officers and enforcement staff to secure federal funding and resources to enhance compliance, enforcement, and conservation of coral reef ecosystems and associated species.

Chair

The USCRTF Enforcement Working Group chaired by Mike Lameier, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, and meets monthly. Please contact michael.lameier@noaa.gov for more information.