Addressing a meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, Interior Secretary Gale Norton Thursday commended the work of federal and state agencies to protect coral reefs while emphasizing the importance of continuing to build partnerships to protect the fragile ecosystems from destruction. She likened the amount of cooperation to the eco-system of a coral reef itself.

“Symbiotic relationships are the foundation of the reef. Over the years those partners create incredible structures that flourish for generations. In the same way the conservation of coral reefs depends on all of us working together.”

President Bush is supporting coral conservation by requesting $2.7 million for the Interior Department and Commerce Department in his 2006 budget. Coral reefs provide an estimated $375 billion each year to the world economy from recreation, tourism, food, pharmaceuticals, and other purposes. The benefits to Florida, for example, exceed $3 billion. Ron Tull, Interior Department Radio News Service, Washington.