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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.
Researchers are working in the Northwest Hawaiian Island Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve to identify the sources of primary production supporting the apex predator-dominated ecosystem there. This work will be useful in determining appropriate boundaries for a marine sanctuary.
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.
Along the southeastern U.S. coast from Florida to North Carolina, deeper water coral reefs are less obvious, but support important reef fisheries. CCFHR studies these reefs to understand their function as both sources and sinks of fish larvae. We also study their role as nursery areas for juvenile fish and as habitat for adults. These reefs have been used to monitor the effects of global climate change in altering fish communities.