Charting a Course for Coral Reefs: Insights from Jennifer Koss | Capitol Beach

May 30, 2023

Federal agencies and coral reef restoration.

How do the federal government and coastal states and territories work together to conserve and restore Coral Reefs? Find out on The Capitol Beach (or perhaps, for one episode, “The Capitol Reef”?), with guest Jennifer Koss, the Director of Coral Reef Conservation for NOAA. Jennifer covers what NOAA is doing in partnership with 2 US states and 5 territories for Coral Reefs (https://coralreef.noaa.gov/), while also explaining how the 15 federal agencies with some role in coral conservation are working together with state & territories in the Coral Reef Task Force (https://www.coralreef.gov/).  Jennifer also touches on how the US is working internationally, as well as covering recent legislation driving new and innovative management strategies for US coral reefs. While corals face a lot of challenges from water quality and climate impacts, it’s inspiring to hear what work is being done to conserve them and restore reefs.

Show Transcription
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Derek Brockbank

Derek Brockbank is Executive Director of Coastal States Organization (CSO), which represents the nation’s Coastal States, Territories, and Commonwealths on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues. With two decades of experience in Washington DC on coastal adaptation policy and organizational development, Derek is connecting state coastal management programs with federal agencies and resources in order to address the greatest coastal challenges facing society. He previously served as executive director for the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) where he led the strategic planning and outreach, government affairs, and development goals of the nation’s leading organization advocating for beach and coastal restoration. Prior to starting with ASBPA, Derek worked as campaign director for a coalition effort to restore the Mississippi River Delta and Coastal Louisiana, and was part of a gulf-wide campaign to pass the RESTORE Act, securing billions of dollars for Gulf Coast restoration. This followed up on his work with National Wildlife Federation on climate adaption. Derek grew up in New York City and got his coastal education from an early age playing on the beaches of Long Island, and kayaking and fishing in Peconic Bay.