Coral Reef Conservation

Programs

Landscape Initiatives:

Farm Bill

Coral Reef Conservation in Florida through Farm Bill Programs

Along the Atlantic coast of Florida, Oculina reefs dominate in the north, transitioning southward to tropical reefs. South and west of Miami, offshore of the Florida Keys archipelago, is the only tropical coral reef found along the North American coastline. This region, also known as the Florida Reef Tract, is the is the only living coral barrier reef in the US, and is the 3rd largest coral barrier reef in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Meso-American Reef in Belize). The reef runs roughly 221 miles down the south-eastern coast of Florida, paralleling the Florida Keys from Key Biscayne off Miami down to the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West, from 1 mile to 8 miles offshore. The proximity of the reef (just a half-hour boat ride from land); the warm, clear water from the Gulf Stream just offshore; and the fantastic richness of life found here makes the reefs of the Florida Keys one of the most uniquely beautiful and accessible wild areas in the country.

The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) was established in 1998 by Presidential Executive Order 13089 to lead U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The USCRTF has been instrumental in building partnerships and strategies for on-the-ground action to conserve coral reefs. The USCRTF works in cooperation with State, territorial, commonwealth, and local government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, the scientific community, and commercial interests to further the understanding and conservation of coral reef ecosystems.

In 2002, the USCRTF identified the need for action at the local level to reduce key threats to coral reefs in each of the seven states and territories which possess significant coral reef resources. To effectively address actions needed to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems and the marine environment, Florida created specific LAS through the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative Team (SEFCRI) for locally relevant threats. NRCS Florida assists local and federal agency representatives in the development and implementation of local action strategies to address pollution from agricultural activities and land development.

Reef systems are impacted by a variety of pollutants, including sediments, nutrients, chemical contaminants, marine debris, and invasive species. Pollution enters reef ecosystems in many ways, ranging from specific point-source discharges such as sewage pipes and vessels, to more diffuse sources such as runoff associated with agriculture, coastal development, and road construction. Reef degradation is even greater in areas where the loss of wetlands or other associated habitats has reduced the system's natural ability to filter nutrients and other pollutants before reaching the reefs.

Farm Bill programs strive to assist agricultural producers to implement conservation measures that provide on-site and off-site benefits. Proper management of surface water along with other related natural resources from agricultural lands can assist in the protection of coral reefs in the Florida. Private landowner participation in Farm Bill programs is voluntary.

The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) offers contracts that provide financial assistance to implement conservation practices. Owners of land in agricultural production or persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. Program practices and activities are carried out according to an EQIP program plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or measures needed to address the resource concerns.

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) enable NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address natural resource concerns while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities; and improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.

The Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) is a conservation program that emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grassland under threat of conversion to other uses. Participants voluntarily limit future development and cropping uses of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices and operations related to the production of forage and seeding, subject to certain restrictions during nesting seasons of bird species that are in significant decline or are protected under Federal or State law.

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is for conservation-minded landowners who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat on agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land.

The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property and is a very popular program in Florida. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts. The NRCS goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program. This program offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection.

Links to NRCS & Partner Coral Reef Activities and information

Last Modified 01/05/2012