Hawaii

NWHI

US Pacific Territories

NOAA/NOS’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) initiated a coral reef research program in 1999 to map, assess, inventory, and monitor U.S. coral reef ecosystems.These activities were implemented in response to requirements outlined in the Mapping Implementation Plan developed by the Mapping and Information Synthesis Working Group of the Coral Reef Task Force (Mapping and Information Synthesis Working Group, 2000).Although these coral reef activities have been lead and integrated by NCCOS, the products and ongoing research components would not be possible without the strong partnerships forged within NOS, NOAA, other Federal Agencies, States, Territories, and Commonwealths.The efforts of NOS’s Special Projects Office, National Geodetic Survey, and the Coastal Services Center have been essential to the successful implementation of this program.

As part of the MISWG of the CRTF, NCCOS’ Biogeography Program has been charged with the development and implementation of a plan to produce comprehensive digital coral-reef ecosystem maps for all U.S.States, Territories, and Commonwealths within five to seven years. Joint activities between Federal agencies are particularly important to map, research, monitor, manage, and restore coral reef ecosystems. In response to the Executive Order, NOS is conducting research to digitally map biotic resources and coordinate a long-term monitoring program that can detect and predict change in U.S.coral reefs and associated habitats.