USC Chapter 25a

in effect

16 U.S.C. § 1211 Congressional statement of purpose

For the purpose of conserving and protecting coral reef resources of the tropical islands of interest and concern to the United States in the Pacific and safeguarding critical island areas from possible erosion and to safeguard future recreational and esthetic uses of Pacific coral reefs, the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution are authorized to cooperate with and provide assistance to the governments of the State of Hawaii, the territories and possessions of the United States, including Guam and American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and other island possessions of the United States, in the study and control of the seastar “Crown of Thorns” (Acanthaster planci).

16 U.S.C. § 1212 Investigation and control of crown of thorns starfish

In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution are authorized to— (1) conduct such studies, research, and investigations, as they deem desirable to determine the causes of the population increase of the “Crown of Thorns”, their effects on corals and coral reefs, and the stability and regeneration of reefs following predation; (2) to monitor areas where the “Crown of Thorns” may be increasing in numbers and to determine future needs for control; (3) to develop improved methods of control and to carry out programs of control in areas where these are deemed necessary; and (4) to take such other actions as deemed desirable to gain an understanding of the ecology and control of the seastar “Crown of Thorns”.

16 U.S.C. § 1213 Authorization of appropriations

For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, there is authorized to be appropriated for the period commencing on September 26, 1970, and ending June 30, 1975, not to exceed $4,500,000.