As part of ongoing efforts, the Coral Program regularly provides a summary report on its projects, partnerships, and planning process. These activities are all geared toward implementing the Coral Program's strategic plan which aims to:
Increase resilience to climate change;
Reduce land-based sources of pollution;
Improve fisheries' sustainability; and,
Restore viable coral populations.
The Coral Program's strategic vision includes four pillars with specific strategies for each pillar.
Key Achievements:
The report covers coral reef ecosystem-related research and management activities conducted by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (the Coral Program) during Fiscal Years 2020-21 and reflects the goals and objectives of the Coral Program Strategic Plan. The Coral Program continued to adapt and respond to emerging issues, such as coral disease mitigation and restoration techniques. Some key examples include:
increased support of coral reef restoration efforts, including the Mission: Iconic Reefs effort-an unprecedented approach to restore seven iconic coral reef sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
the establishment of a Coral Emergency Response Fund to aid non-federal partners in rapid response to coral reef emergency events, such as hurricane damage and severe disease outbreaks.
The Coral Program is leading efforts to study and conserve coral reef resources for current and future generations. The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program brings together expertise from across NOAA for a multidisciplinary approach to studying these complex ecosystems to inform more effective management. For more, head over to our website.
A diver swims over a restored staghorn reef. Credit: Coral Reef Foundation.
References:
Costanza R, de Groot R, Sutton P, van der Ploeg S, Anderson SJ, Kubiszewski I, Farber S, Turner RK. 2014. Changes in the global value of ecosystem services, Global Environmental Change, Volume 26, Pages 152-158.
Storlazzi CD, Reguero BG, Cole AD, Lowe E, Shope JB, Gibbs AE, Nickel BA, McCall RT, van Dongeren AR, Beck MW. 2019. Rigorously valuing the role of U.S. coral reefs in coastal hazard risk reduction: U.S Geological Survey Open-File Report 2019-1027. 42 p.
