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Retired Web Pages

This page is home to selected Web Pages that are no longer supported or maintained as originally developed by NOAA's Coral Reef Information System (CoRIS). Many elements of these pages are outdated or are no longer relevant to the purposes for which they were created. However, much of the content of these pages is still valuable. Rather than eliminating these pages entirely, documents on a variety of topics will continue to be made available. This list does not include all retired Web Pages originally developed by CoRIS. To view the material still available from a retired Web Page, click a link below.

General CRCP Program Description 2002-2009

NOAA's coral reef research and management efforts are realized primarily through its Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). The program brings together the expertise of the offices working on coral reef issues in NOAA's National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and National Environmental Satellite and Information Service. Through this program, NOAA partners with scientific, private, government, and nongovernmental organizations at the local, state, federal, and international levels to support effective management and sound science to preserve, sustain and restore valuable coral reef ecosystems.

About Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are complex, biologically diverse ecosystems. Countless studies, books and papers have been devoted to exploring and understanding the nature of these unique marine environments. These essays discuss some of the most important aspects of coral reefs. Many of their physical and biological characteristics are discussed in detail within this section. Coral reef threats, both natural and anthropogenic, also are explored.

Professional Exchanges

Coral reef experts and enthusiasts from around the world use NOAA's Coral Health and Monitoring Program (CHAMP) listserve as a forum to discuss and debate a myriad of coral topics and issues. Discussions are lively and can last for weeks. This section presents some of these dynamic discussions among professionals.