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Biological Monitoring
2019 U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico


This infographic describes the biological data collected by the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during the 2019 field season.

the biological data collected by the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during the 2019 field season


Infographic Transcript: National Coral Reef Monitoring Program
2019 U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

NOAA’s National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) biological sampling for benthic (corals and algae) and fish populations in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico occurs every other year. In 2019, dive surveys occurred throughout summer and fall months in shallow-water (0-30 meters) coral reef areas. Data are used to inform coral and fish population management strategies, document the occurrence of endangered species and coral disease,and assist with local monitoring efforts. To learn more about NCRMP methods, data, and data products, please visit https://www.coris.noaa.gov/monitoring/biological.html.

NCRMP by the Numbers

Sites Sampled
  • Benthic Composition: 656
  • Reef Fish: 839
Area Surveyed
  • Benthic Composition: 21,194 m2
  • Reef Fish: 288,816 m2
Dives
  • Benthic Composition: 1,305
  • Reef Fish: 1,641
Number Surveyed
  • Benthic Composition: 21,305 coral colonies
  • Reef Fish: 350,892 fish recorded