Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are complex and diverse ecosystems that support many valued marine species. Although tropical, they can be found as far North as North Carolina in U.S. waters. The special conditions under which they exist makes them vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. They provide a sensitive indicator of our stewardship of the coastal ocean.
CCFHR studies coral reefs at sites in Hawaii, south Florida, Puerto Rico, and North Carolina. We characterize their current condition, evaluate the ecological services they provide, predict their response to environmental changes, and work to restore damaged reefs.
Along the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) and in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve (TER), CCFHR has conducted intensive habitat characterization. This allows managers to assess the role of these coral reef dominated areas as habitats for fish and as source regions of fish larvae for dispersal to adjacent areas. Our work also allows managers to evaluate their role as marine protected areas in conserving a unique ecological resource.
CCFHR is testing and implementing spatial models of coral recovery from damages by such events as boat groundings, damage by fishing gear, and hurricanes. These models derive from successful models already developed for marsh and seagrass habitats. Learn more.
Researchers are working in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument to identify the sources of primary production supporting the apex predator-dominated ecosystem there.
La Parguera, Puerto Rico is the site of cooperative work with other NCCOS, NOS, and NOAA centers characterizing the marine habitats there. Site characterization advances coral reef management in such exceptional places and strengthens La Parguera as a marine reserve.