Bill Overview
Title: Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to carry out prize competitions that promote coral reef research and conservation. The prize competitions must be designed to help the United States achieve its goal of developing new and effective ways to advance the understanding, monitoring, and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems. Priority is given to establish programs that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems.
Sponsors: Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals depending on coral reef ecosystems
Estimated Size: 4000000
- Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems that support a high biodiversity of marine life, including fish species that many communities rely on for food and economic activities like fishing and tourism.
- It's estimated that at least 500 million people benefit directly from coral reefs in terms of food, coastal protection, and income from fishing and tourism.
- Coral reefs face threats from climate change, overfishing, coastal development, and pollution, which lead to reef degradation and loss, impacting both biodiversity and human communities relying on these resources.
Reasoning
- The Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2022 is primarily aimed at incentivizing advancements in coral reef conservation and could significantly impact communities heavily reliant on these ecosystems.
- The primary beneficiaries are expected to be coastal communities in the U.S. where coral reefs play a vital role in local economies, particularly in states like Florida and Hawaii where tourism and coral-related activities are significant.
- The policy might not directly affect inland or non-coastal populations; thus, to simulate a balanced set of interviews, only a subset of the general population that depends on reef-related activities will experience high impacts.
- Considering the budget, the policy’s primary effect will be stimulating research and innovation rather than immediate direct aid to these communities, possibly leading to long-term benefits rather than instant changes in wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Tourism Operator (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could bring innovative ways to protect reefs, which is essential for my business.
- I'm hopeful that prize competitions will inspire solutions that help preserve coral reefs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Marine Biologist (Hawaii)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with my research interests and provides opportunities for groundbreaking work.
- I expect an increase in funding for research projects here in Hawaii.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Commercial Fisher (Alaska)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Coral reef degradation affects fish populations, impacting my livelihood.
- I hope this policy leads to innovations that reverse fish stock declines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Engineer (Texas)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a recreational diver, I've seen reefs deteriorate; it's disheartening.
- It's good to see the government investing in reef conservation; it might make diving more sustainable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired (Puerto Rico)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've dedicated my life to environmental advocacy; this policy is a step in the right direction.
- I hope these efforts will save our coastal ecosystems for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Entrepreneur (California)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Innovation drives my business; I'm glad the government is encouraging it for coral protection.
- With more competitions, I might discover better methods for sustainable coral farming.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Activist (New York)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy highlights the importance of collaborative innovation in tackling climate challenges.
- It could set a precedent for addressing other marine issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Hotel Manager (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Coral health is crucial for tourists; this policy might stabilize or increase visitor numbers.
- Positive innovations could revitalize the local economy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Diving Instructor (Palau)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Palau's reefs are incredibly biodiverse; preserving them is vital for my work and the community.
- I'm optimistic about seeing effective reef preservation outcomes from this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Student (Lousiana)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative could pave the way for my future career in reef conservation.
- I hope it leads to new research opportunities and conservation tactics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $24000000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Key Considerations
- The success of this act heavily relies on the participation and interest of stakeholders in the research community and industry.
- Effective monitoring and adaptability of innovation strategies are crucial for desired outcomes.
- Coordination with existing conservation efforts can enhance overall impact.