Biology - Ecosystems
Coral ReefsUSGS coral reef research focuses on understanding coral health and disease, the structure and function of reef communities, high resolution thematic mapping and characterization to address reef health, effects of sediment transport on reefs, and geologic development. USGS provides information to DOI resource managers to protect and preserve these sensitive ecosystems - about 3.6 million acres of DOI lands. The long-term goal of the corals research program is to increase scientific understanding of fundamental processes of coral reef ecosystems in the context of linkages and interactions across the "landscape." The strategy to achieve this goal is to provide the scientific knowledge to land resource managers to protect and preserve coral resources.
These priorities will be addressed through mapping, monitoring, disease research, reef habitat characterization, and modeling activities. Challenges will be addressed using an integrated science approach within the USGS, active partnerships external to the USGS, and will be coordinated with groups implementing local action strategies. Samples of Coral Reef Research
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Peleliu, Palau - (Photo credit: Chantal Collier, Coral Reef Program Manager
Featured Publications USGS DISCOVRE Expedition Additional Resources The NBII Coral Reef Portal integrates data sets, maps, publications, fact sheets, images, and other information from organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Geological Survey. |
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