There have been increasing efforts to establish better management and conservation measures to protect the diversity of these biologically rich areas. Management practices have historically focused on the coral reef proper and not considered associated communities, such as seagrasses, mangroves, mudflats or defined watersheds (which transport complex mixtures in their waters), in a meaningful manner. This attempted to manage the reef in isolation, like an island.
Current management efforts recognize the importance of including reefs as part of a larger system, where integrated coastal zone management tools and watershed concepts can be used in the development of comprehensive management and conservation plans. One example is where EPA has joined with NOAA and the state of Florida in the establishment of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) Exit EPA Disclaimer . The Marine Sanctuary operates under a broad-based management plan intended to enhance the sustainability of the Florida Keys reefs. Other important efforts in coral reef conservation and management include the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and the International and the U.S. Coral Reef Initiatives.
When reefs are considered as part of a larger watershed, the recognization of the complexity of environmental stressors can be understood. Management plans can be developed to lessen impacts to mangroves, seagrasses and the reef ecosystem, based upon scientific data and a better understanding of the system. EPA is in the process of developing guidance for a watershed approach to coral ecosystem protection.