Monitoring Coral Reef Ecosystem Health, Impacts and Disease Propagation at Biscayne National Park

Ayers, Paul

The coral reefs in Biscayne National Park are subjected to disease, tourism and boat damage, and pollution. Monitoring the conditions and threats to the coral reef ecosystem health is needed. Previously surveyed coral reefs will be reevaluated to determine coral reef ecosystem health condition and changes. These changes include coral distribution and black band disease propagation. Sensitive areas (boat impact areas and mooring buoys) will be mapped using underwater video mapping equipment. Areas of intense damage will be identified so that public awareness and reef restoration activities can be initiated. This project supports the defined Coral Reef Conservation Project goal 4) "develop sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems and the threats to such ecosystem" as stated in Federal Register Vo1.69, No. 125, page 39420 for "General Coral Reef Conservation." The project addresses the categories identified by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force - "monitoring and assessment activities." The goal defined by the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs that this project supports is A. II. "Assess and Monitor Coral Reef Health." This project will be conducted with coordination with existing NOAA mapping, and Biscayne National Park Service coral reef activities.