• The world's major coral reef science meeting, the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS), is held every 4 years.
• The sanctioning organization is the International Society of Reef Studies.
• The ICRS is devoted to the best reef science available, with the purpose of sharing scientific findings with government agencies, resource management, and non-government organizations throughout the world.

Previous ICRS have been held in Okinawa (2004), Bali (2000), Panama (1996), Guam (1992), Australia (1988), Tahiti (1985), the Philippines (1980), Miami (1977), Australia (1974), and the 1st ICRS in India (1969).

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force’s (USCRTF) mission is to lead, coordinate, and strengthen U.S. government actions to better preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The Task Force is co-chaired by the Departments of Commerce and of the Interior, and includes leaders of 12 federal agencies, seven U.S. states and territories, and three freely associated states. To implement the policies and requirements of the Executive Order, the Task Force has provided a forum for coordinated planning and action among federal agencies, state and territorial governments, and nongovernmental partners. To fulfill its mission, the Task Force developed national strategies, targeted initiatives, and new partnerships to strengthen stewardship of the coral reef ecosystems in the United States, territories, commonwealths, and internationally.

For more information check the symposium website at: http://www.icriforum.org