In June of 1998, President Bill Clinton issued the creation of a Coral Reef Task Force to save the coral reefs.  With officials from eleven federal agencies, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Commerce, this task force was well up to the job.  There are laws that tell where companies can dump waste without damaging coral reefs.  The public can also have an opinion about where to dump waste so it wouldn't harm coral reefs and other marine animals.  Therefore, fishing near coral reefs, whether from a boat or just using a simple pole, is illegal.  So, remember this website next time you want to fish near a reef, and don't do it.