Mapping America's Coral Reefs

Interactive Map

"Coral reef ecosystems are some of the most complex and important ecosystems in the marine environment. They are also among the most biologically diverse and economically valuable. In 2000, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force charged NOAA with leading federal efforts to map shallow-water coral reef ecosystems to inform management and conservation efforts. NOAA NOS and its partners have mapped roughly 3 million acres of the nation's shallow-water(0-90 feet) coral reef ecosystems. This NCCOS story map takes you on a tour of some of our nation's coral reef ecosystems spanning the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Explore the maps and witness how our mapping efforts support managers and decision makers in their ability to understand, study and protect these unique resources. The work is a result of a partnership between the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and the Coastal Services Center."

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NCCOS