A strategy to map state, commonwealth, territory, and freely associated state coral reef ecosystems in the U.S.

Coral Reef Task Force, Mapping and Information Synthesis Working Group

This report addresses why maps are needed, what needs to be done now, how this can be accomplished, long-term coral reef monitoring, preliminary mapping product development schedule, a mapping model, and needs for partnerships. The goal is to produce comprehensive digital coral reef ecosystem maps for all States, Commonwealths, Territories and Freely Associated States of the U.S. in seven years. Coral reef ecosystems in both the Atlantic and Pacific are being negatively affected by natural and human stresses. Severe weather patterns, abnormal fluctuations in sea surface temperature, and instances of coral disease are disrupting reef growth or killing reefs outright. Detailed maps can be used to: recognize importance and location of historic cultural fishing areas; develop better marine environmental education programs that stress the importance of coral reef ecosystems and their conservation; locate marine hazards to avoid navigation-related impacts; evaluate and identify areas where coral reef management efforst are needed immediately; characterize and evaluate the status of the essential habitat of commercial and non-commercial marine species; develop long range policies for the sustainable management of commercial fish stocks; designate and develop management strategies for marine protected areas; evaluate and identify areas where intensive monitoring is needed; predict and model the potential damage to populated areas caused by severe weather; support activities that evaluate the success of watershed-based water quality management strategies; support activities that evaluate the success of urban and agricultural land management policies; provide a baseline for damage assessment and restoration efforts; recognize the role Federal stewardship has in defining resource management responsibilities for Pacific Island coral reefs; and develop capabilities to conduct long-term change analyses.