Interior Supports Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program for the U.S. Territories with FY2018 Funding

WASHINGTON – Doug Domenech, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular and International Affairs, this week announced $200,000 to fund the second half of the 2018-2020 National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program in four U.S. territories.  This highly selective graduate-level program has already placed fellows in American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“Secretary Zinke is a strong advocate for sustainably developing and protecting our natural resources.  Finding that balance is critical in island economies and the Coral Reef Fellows provide important support towards coral reef and natural resource management in each island area,” said Assistant Secretary Domenech.  “This program is designed to meet unique needs as identified by each territory and provide valuable experience for effective local coral reef ecosystem management.”  

This week’s funding provides for the second year of the 2018-2020 program and supplements an earlier grant of $200,000 announced in July 2017.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides funding to place additional fellows in Hawaii, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force members and the All Islands Task Force have identified the Coral Fellows program as one of its highest priorities for funding.  The National Coral Reef Institute of Nova Southeastern University in Florida administers this program.

The Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs and the Office of Insular Affairs carry out the Secretary’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees Federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. OIA supports the Secretary's mission of Fulfilling Trust and Insular Responsibilities through balancing efforts and limited resources towards stronger economic and health capacities, and fiscal accountability in the U.S. insular areas.