First
Workshop Held on Deeper Light-dependent Coral Ecosystems
This story entered on 11th Aug, 2008 07:52:28 AM PST
National and international
scientists and resource managers recently gathered to help develop
the first comprehensive strategy to identify and prioritize research
and management needs of mesophotic (deeper light-dependent) coral
ecosystems. These relatively pristine coral ecosystems are typically
found in tropical and sub-tropical regions between 30-100+ meters
in association with algal and sponge communities. Mesophotic coral
ecosystems (MCEs) can serve as refugia for shallow water species,
which may warrant special resource management attention. This protection
will help maintain local and/or regional biodiversity under increasing
threats from both natural and anthropogenic sources such as bleaching,
disease, harmful fishing practices, overfishing, and climate change.
NOAAs National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS),
and OER's National Undersea Research Program (NURP) in partnership
with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) sponsored this first ever
MCE workshop. The research strategy will guide NOAA, other governmental
agencies, and academia as they explore these relatively unknown
coral ecosystems.
Contact information:
Name: Kimberly Puglise
Tel: (301) 734-1007
kimberly.puglise@noaa.gov
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