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Recent Publications
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Mollusks taken by Beam Trawl in the vicinity of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary on the Continental Shelf off Georgia, Southeastern U.S. |  |
Description: The samples analyzed in this study were collected during February and April 2002 as bycatch on two NOAA cruises conducted in support of studies of the distribution and movements of larval and juvenile fish on the continental shelf off the coast of Georgia in the immediate vicinity of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. These samples provided an opportunity for qualitative examination of the molluscan assemblages that occur on the patch reefs and associated habitats in this transitional subtropical shelf region. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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Ecological Condition of Coastal Ocean Waters along the U.S. Western Continental Shelf: 2003 |  |
Description: This document provides an assessment of the status of ecological condition in coastal ocean waters along the U.S. continental shelf, from the Strait of Juan de Fuca, WA to the Mexican border, based on sampling conducted in June 2003. The project was a large collaborative effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and West Coast states. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
| Download Vol. I | Vol. II |
Support for Integrated Ecosystem Assessments of NOAA’s National Estuarine Research Reserves System (NERRS) |  |
Volume I: The Impacts of Coastal Development on the Ecology and Human Well–being of Tidal Creek Ecosystems of the US Southeast Volume II: Assessment of Ecological Condition and Stressor Impacts in Subtidal Waters of the North Carolina NERRS Description: The FY05–09 NCCOS Strategic Plan prompts the organization to produce baseline assessments of ecological resources and to quantify impacts of ecosystem stressors in various NOAA protected areas, including National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) locations. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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Tidal Creek Habitats: Sentinels of Coastal Health |
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Description: This booklet is based on a synthesis of over 15 years of research in tidal creek systems. It is designed to inform local and state decisionmakers and citizens about the consequences of rapid, poorly planned coastal development on tidal creeks and coastal communities. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2008 |  |
Description: NOAA’s Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, Biogeography Branch, with support from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, periodically compiles a comprehensive report describing the condition of shallow–water coral reef ecosystems in the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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An Integrated Assessment of the Continued Spread and Potential Impacts of the Colonial Ascidian, Didemnum sp. A, in U.S. Waters |  |
Description: Didemnum sp. A is a colonial ascidian or "sea squirt" of unknown geographic origin. Colonies of Didemnum sp. A were first documented in U.S. waters in 1993 at Damariscotta River, Maine and San Francisco Bay, California. The wide distribution of Didemnum sp. A, the presence of colonies on an important offshore fishing ground, and the negative economic impacts that other species of noninidigenous ascidians have had on aquaculture operations have raised concerns about the potential impacts of Didemnum sp. A. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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A Manual of Previously Recorded Non–indigenous Invasive and Native Transplanted Animal Species of the Laurentian Great Lakes and Coastal United States |  |
Description: This manual presents geographic information by state of occurrence, and descriptions of the socio–economic impact created by the invasion of non–indigenous and native transplanted animal species in the Laurentian Great Lakes and the coastal waters of the United States. It is not a comprehensive literature review, but rather is intended as a primer for those unfamiliar with the socio–economic impacts of invasive aquatic and marine animals. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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Coral Reef Activity Book |  |
Description: An activity book for children highlighting the world’s coral reefs, honoring the International Year of the Reef of 2008–2009. The book is 25 pages long and includes information about reefs and their inhabitants, along with fun facts, drawings to color, connect the dots, find–a–word, images, matching, etc. Target audience is K–5th graders. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact Susan.Baker@noaa.gov, the Coordinator for Outreach and Education |
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NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2007 |  |
Description: The NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2007 highlights NCCOS’s progress and achievements in fiscal year 2007. The report provides insight into how NCCOS’s scientific endeavors were used to effectively manage and protect coastal ocean resources. This year, for the first time, accomplishments are binned within elements of the strategic plan, achieving a greater degree of transparency and accountability. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
| Download | An Assessment of Two Decades of Contaminant Monitoring in the Nation’s Coastal Zone |  |
Description: The Mussel Watch Program is the longest running estuarine and coastal pollutant monitoring effort conducted in the United States that is national in scope each year. Hundreds of scientific journal articles and technical reports based on Mussel Watch data have been written; however, this report is the first that presents local, regional and national findings across all years in a Quick Reference format, suitable for use by policy makers, scientists, resource managers and the general public. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change, National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Update |  |
Description: Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change, National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Update, examines eutrophic conditions in 141 U.S. estuaries, and how and why conditions have changed in the decade since the first assessment was issued. Of the 99 estuaries with data adequate for evaluation, 64 have moderate to high level nutrient impacts. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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NCCOS Human Dimensions Strategic Plan (FY 2009–FY 2014) |  |
Description: The NCCOS Human Dimensions Strategic Plan (FY 2009–FY 2014) establishes goals and objectives to foster improved support of coastal and ocean decisionmaking by expanding NCCOS’s science program to include an integral focus on human dimensions. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact the Human Dimensions Research Coordinator |
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NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2006 |  |
Description: The NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2006 highlights NCCOS’s progress and achievements in fiscal year 2006. The report provides insight into how NCCOS’s scientific endeavors were used to effectively manage and protect coastal ocean resources. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2007 to 2011 |  |
Description: This document—the NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Plan—builds on the strategies identified in NOAA’s Strategic Plan, the five–year NOAA Research Plan , the 20–year NOAA Research Vision, the National Action Plan, the National Action Strategy, the Final Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP 2004), and the Bush Administration’s response to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy: the U.S. Ocean Action Plan (Bush 2004); and identifies key directions for NOAA’s research on coral reef ecosystems for fiscal years (FY) 2007 through FY 2011. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact the Coral Research Program |
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2006 USGS/NOAA Workshop on Mycobacteriosis in Striped Bass |  |
Description: The overarching goal of this workshop was to provide a synthesis of current understanding regarding mycobacteriosis and its ecological effects, and to provide recommendations that will facilitate a coordinated approach by funding agencies and researchers in their collective efforts to effectively and efficiently address this research topic. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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Ecosystem Science Capabilities Required to Support NOAA’s Mission in the year 2020 |  |
Description: The agency needs to know what types of science, skills, and products will be necessary to inform emerging ecosystem management challenges if it is to move from simply better integrating its current activities to meeting its strategic 20–year research vision. This document was developed to identify a strategic portfolio of research, monitoring, data integration, and decision support capabilities underpinning more holistic approaches to NOAA’s stewardship and management of coastal and ocean resources. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. |
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Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human Dimensions Strategy |  |
Description: Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human Dimensions Strategy (HARR-HD) justifies and guides a coordinated national commitment to human dimensions research critical to prevent and respond to impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact marybeth.bauer@noaa.gov. |
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Arctic & Antarctic Activity Book |  |
Description: An activity book for children highlighting both polar regions, honoring the International Polar Year of 2007-2008. The book is 25 pages long and includes information about both Arctic and Antarctic regions, along with fun facts, drawings to color, connect the dots, find a word, images, matching, etc. Target audience is K-5th graders. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact susan.baker@noaa.gov. |
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Coral Disease and Health Workshop: Coral Histopathology II |  |
Description: The health and continued existence of coral reef ecosystems are threatened by an increasing array of environmental and anthropogenic impacts. Coral disease is one of the prominent causes of increased mortality among reefs globally, particularly in the Caribbean. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact susan.baker@noaa.gov. |
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Visual Impact Assessment of Small Docks & Piers: Theory and Practice |  |
Description: Visual impact assessments are increasingly used in the regulatory review of proposed development, including small docks and piers. This manual provides an overview of: legal bases for developing visual impact or aesthetic standards; visual impact analysis techniques; local and state capabilities to develop and implement visual impact or aesthetic standards; and types of mitigation available. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact susan.baker@noaa.gov. |
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The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2005 |  |
Description: In 2003, CCMA's Biogeography Team was asked by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program to compile a report characterizing the condition of shallow water coral reef ecosystems in the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States. Such a report was called for by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force in the U.S. National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs as part of an effort to develop a comprehensive national coral reef ecosystem monitoring program. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact CoralReport2005@noaa.gov. |
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Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats; Volume Two: Tools for Monitoring Coastal Habitats (Full Version) |  |
Description: Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats, a two volume manual, provides technical assistance, outlines necessary steps, and provides useful tools for the development and implementation of sound scientific monitoring of coastal restoration efforts. Availability: Online, limited hard copies. Contact John.Wickham@noaa.gov or Restoration.Monitoring@noaa.gov. |
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NCCOS Strategic Plan FY 2005 - FY 2009 |  |
Description: Publication provides information on strategies that will guide NCCOS activities over the next five years in order for the organization to provide the scientific understanding and tools needed to support the coastal and oceans management responsibilities of NOAA. Availability: Online. |
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An Integrated Assessment of the Introduction of Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex) to the Western Atlantic Ocean |  |
Description: Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex) are venomous coral reef fishes from the Indian and western Pacific oceans that are now found in the western Atlantic Ocean. This integrated assessment discusses status and trends of the invasive species, the causes of these trends, and their consequences. The 22 page publication also predicts any future outcomes without management action, and provides guidance for potential actions. Availability: Online, Limited hardcopies; Contact Jon.Hare@noaa.gov or Susan.Baker@noaa.gov. |
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Ecological Forecasting: New Tools for Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management |  |
Description: Policy makers, natural resource managers, regulators, and the public often call on scientists to estimate the potential ecological changes caused by both natural and human-induced stresses, and to determine how those changes will impact people and the environment. Availability: Online, Limited hardcopies; Contact ccma.pubs@noaa.gov. |
| Download Vol.I | Vol. II |
Science–Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats |  |
Description: This guidance manual is written in two volumes [Volume One: A Framework for Monitoring Plans Under the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 160–457) and Volume Two: Tools for Monitoring Coastal Habitats]. It provides technical assistance, outlines necessary steps, and provides useful tools for the development and implementation of sound scientific monitoring of coastal restoration efforts. Availability: Online, Limited hardcopies; Contact Restoration.Monitoring@noaa.gov or John.Wickham@noaa.gov. |
| Download | Environmental and Aesthetic Impacts of Small Docks and Piers: Workshop Report |  |
Description: This workshop report provides a critical synthesis of potential consequences of the construction, presence, and use of small docks and piers on the coastal environment. Shading, contamination, and boating associated with docks are discussed, as well as navigation, aesthetic, and quality of life issues. The workshop, which focused on the status of the science, is the first of a series designed to support the development of a science-based decision support tool for small dock management. Availability: Online, Limited hardcopies; Contact John.Wickham@noaa.gov. |
