The Occurrence of Coral Species Reported as Threatened in Federally ProtectedWaters of the US Pacific
Kenyon, Maragos, Fenner. 2010. The Occurrence of Coral Species Reported as Threatened in Federally ProtectedWaters of the US Pacific
A recent study reported that seventy-five species of reef-building corals, considered to be at elevated extinction risk when assessed by the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, occur in Pacific waters under United States jurisdiction. Closer examination substantiates records of occurrence for 66 species, while records for the other 9 species were based on misinterpretations or are otherwise uncertain. Of these, at least 55 have been reported from reef habitat under federal protection within National Parks, Marine National Monuments, National Marine Sanctuaries, and National Wildlife Refuges. The highest number of species (31) is found within the Ofu Island unit of the National Park of American Samoa, followed by Kingman Reef (24) and Palmyra Atoll (21), both within the Pacific Remote IslandsMarine NationalMonument. Federally protected areas already in place serve as important habitats for resources whose stewardship needs and priorities may vary over time.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Kenyon; Maragos; Fenner
- Date of Issue
- 2010
- Units
- NPSA
- Keywords
- Fenner, Kenyon, Maragos, National Park of American Samoa, NPSA