WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) co-lead a bill to enhance coral restoration efforts in South Florida. The Conserving Our Reefs Along Lower (CORAL) Florida Act would create a new $5 million grant program to states, local municipalities, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations including the Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys, to carry out coral restoration efforts. 

“South Florida’s coral reefs are crucial to our vibrant coastline, support our rich and diverse marine life and aquatic ecosystem, and attract millions of tourists to our great state,” said Rep. Gimenez. “Proud to work on this bipartisan effort to ensure Florida’s reef managers, scientists, and conservation organizations have the resources they need to carry out their critical mission of saving our reefs.”

“Florida’s coral reefs support diverse marine life, protect our coastlines from flooding, and help attract millions of visitors and billions of dollars in economic impact to our state,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “Ensuring the health of our beautiful coral reefs is not a partisan issue, it’s a Florida issue, and one with global health implications. I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to restore South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems.”