Florida
and Caribbean Coral Reef Conservation Activities
NOAA Fisheries
Service's coral reef conservation activities in the waters
off Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), and
Navassa Island are conducted at the regional level through
the Southeast
Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), the
Southeast Regional Office, especially its Caribbean
Field Office (SER-CRF).
 The
SEFSC conducts research activities to enhance fishery
resource management by the regional fishery management
councils, Federal agencies, and state and territorial
governments. The SEFSC scientists are currently working
with their partners to better understand grouper and snapper
habitat requirements, movement patterns, and spawning
aggregations, which will provide needed information to
enhance the management of these stocks. Other work being
conducted through the SEFSC includes research, monitoring,
and assessment activities to understand the social dimensions
of marine protected areas and fishery management options
in Puerto Rico and USVI; the efficacy of management measures
such as no-take areas; the effects of coral reef restoration
on fish recovery and coral growth; and the health of coral
reef ecosystems and causes of decline.
The SER-CRF focuses on three priority areas
in Puerto Rico and USVI: outreach and education, coral
reef ecosystem protection, and coral reef ecosystem restoration. Specific activities includes:
- Assisting UVSI Department of Fish and
Wildlife review current coral reef fishery regulations;
- Assisting the Puerto Rico's Department
of Natural and Environmental Resources in developing
zoning to protect the Coral Keys within La Cordillera
Natural Reserve;
- Providing support for the creation of
a Mobile Learning Lab with Marine Discovery Modules
in USVI; and
- Developing an outreach and educational
pamphlet for USVI tourist on USVI reserves, mooring
usage, and fishery regulations.
2004 Highlights
- 2004
Activities in Florida and the Caribbean
2003 Highlights
- 2003
Activities in Florida and the Caribbean
2002 Highlights
- 2002
Activities in Florida and the Caribbean
- Florida
Keys Coral Reef Ecosystem Census, Summer 2002
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