Changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) threaten reefs. The ESA designates shallow coral reefs with threatened species as critical habitat, with the exception of some military areas[6]. These changes negatively affect reef conservation by changing the definition and application of the term "take" of endangered species[1]. According to the ESA, 22 coral species are listed as endangered and two as critically endangered, with climate change, pollution and unsustainable fishing as the main threats[4]. Healthy reefs absorb up to 97% of wave energy, protecting coastlines from erosion, storms and floods[4]. Their total economic value in the US exceeds $3.4 billion annually, including fisheries, tourism and coastal protection[4].