REEF Act of 2023

Re-using Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act of 2023 or the REEF Act of 2023

This bill requires the Department of the Navy to notify Congress when a vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing (intentionally sinking a vessel to promote marine life) is to be stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. Specifically, the Navy must provide such notice not later than 90 days before the viable candidate is to be stricken from the register.

The REEF Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 386, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to protect and preserve coral reefs in US waters.

The bill proposes several key measures to achieve this goal. Firstly, it calls for increased funding for research and monitoring of coral reefs, in order to better understand the threats they face and develop effective conservation strategies. Additionally, the bill aims to strengthen regulations on activities that may harm coral reefs, such as overfishing, pollution, and coastal development.

Another important aspect of the REEF Act is the establishment of a national coral reef conservation program, which would coordinate efforts across federal, state, and local agencies to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems. This program would also provide grants to support conservation projects and initiatives at the community level. Overall, the REEF Act of 2023 represents a bipartisan effort to address the urgent need for conservation and protection of coral reefs in US waters. By investing in research, strengthening regulations, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders, this bill aims to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of these vital marine ecosystems.