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Posted: Saturday, December 17th, 2005 6:50 AM HST

New coral conservation bill passes U.S. Senate

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The U-S Senate has passed a measure to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act through 2012 and increase funding for coral reef conservation. The bill introduced by Senator Daniel Inouye also amends the 2000 law with a new community-based planning grant program. The program is aimed at helping areas develop coral protection schemes that are rooted in local tradition and culture. Under the measure, local communities would need less money to attract federal dollars for coral programs. The measure reduces the matching funds requirement from 50 percent to 25 percent. The legislation would also authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to lead emergency response efforts to prevent or address damage to coral reef. The legislation almost doubles the agency's annual funding for coral reef conservation to 30 (m) million dollars in fiscal year 2006 ending September 30th, and 35 (m) million dollars in fiscal years 2009-through-2012. (Copyright 2005 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)