Conserving
Coral Reefs through
a Responsible Marine Ornamental Trade
(pdf,
1.1 Mb)
Abstract (pdf,
20 kb)
MAC Communication
Director Sylvia Spalding reports on the MAC Certification
process, including collection areas, collectors, wholesalers
and retailers to become MAC Certified, as well as
MAC Certifications scheduled for this year. MAC is
developing a Mariculture and Aquaculture Management
Standard, which will certify captive bred organisms
to complement the wild-caught certification programs
MAC already operates.
Nitrogen Pollution in the Northeastern U.S (pdf, 5 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 20 kb)
David Whitehall (NOS/NCCOS) reports on Hubbard Brook Research Foundation-sponsored synthesis of inputs, effects and management options for nitrogen (N) in the northeastern U.S. Model results suggest that integrated management options which target a variety of sources will be the most effective at reducing the impact of anthropogenic N to natural systems.
How to Collect Trustworthy Data (pdf, 600 kb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Data is only as good as the quality assurance process through which it is collected, processed, and stored. Ann Bailey, president and founder of EcoChem, Seattle, WA, steps through a meaningful QA process for data collection efforts based on her past 20 years of experience in QA oversight of environmental site investigations.
Chlorophyll algorithms for coastal remote sensing (pdf, 6.3 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 16 kb)
John Schalles presents alternative approaches for chlorophyll estimation in productive, turbid inland and coastal environments based on hyperspectral instruments. 15 years of work in experimental mesocosms and observations in inland lakes and reservoirs and Southeastern estuarine mixing zones and nearshore waters are synthesized to support this method of estimating chlorophyll.
Prediction, Prevention, and Preparedness: Using Climate Information for Public Health Decision Support (pdf, 1.3 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Juli Trianj discusses the Climate Variability and Health Program, NOAA’s investigation of the connection between climate variability and health, and the use of climate information to enhance public health policy and decision-making. Research and application needs for infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus, Hanta Virus, cholera, malaria, dengue, and Rift Valley Fever, as well as asthma and respiratory diseases, are highlighted.
Gone With the Wind: the use of AVHRR satellite data for estimating critical wind stress in Florida Bay (pdf, 1.4 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Varis Ransi (NOS/NCCOS) presents a new, satellite-based method for estimating critical wind stress and sediment settling time. Resuspension modeling is improved by incorporating bottom type and sediment type.
Seascape ecology of reef fish at Buck Island Reef National Monument, St.Croix, US Virgin Islands (pdf, 2.9 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Matt Kendall (NOS/NCCOS) presents baseline data for the Buck Island Reef National Monument reef fish inventory and monitoring activities, and describes visual surveys used to assess reef fish habitat utilization patterns. This work will allow analysis of changes in the fish fauna inside versus outside of the Monument boundaries now that extractive activities are prohibited.
Food, Stress, and Mating: Tall Choices in the Life of a Small Damselfish (pdf, 456 kb)
Abstract (pdf, 16 kb)
Felix Martinez examines coral reef fish settlement decisions and their implications on social group dynamics. The damsel fish Dascyllus albisella preferred settling in larger groups, but sometimes relocated to other social groups. The probability that an individual would disappear from its social group, or that a social group would receive an individual of a given size class are discussed.
Synthetic Aperture Radar Applications Current Status in NOAA and Plans for Development as a component of Operational Ocean Observing Systems. (pdf, 20.5 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
NOAA is on the threshold of being able to generate operational ocean products from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Although there is much research and development yet to be done, some applications are sufficiently mature to be of use in an operational environment. NOAA has been conducting an applications demonstration in Alaska since1999, generating ocean surface winds at 1 km resolution and detection of vessel positions. This talk covers the status of our SAR applications research, product generation activities, and SAR data analysis capabilities. Also discussed will be our plans for developing systems capable of producing products that can be used operationally within ocean observing systems.
Nutrient Loading and Estuarine Bacterioplankton Communities. (pdf, 1.6 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
NERR Graduate Research Fellow Jude Apple explains the effect of system-level nutrient enrichment on bacterioplankton communities as observed in Monie Bay, a tidally influenced sub-estuary of the Chesapeake Bay. Variability in bacterial metabolism in this system is driven primarily by nutrient loading and that bacterioplankton communities serve as an integrative index of the ecological impact of system-level nutrient enrichment.
New Monitoring Technologies Support Science-Based Management Decisions in the Coastal Zone. (pdf, 10.2 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Rob Magnien explores new monitoring technologies and associated analyses that can be practically applied to coastal habitat management. Examples from issues related to nutrient enrichment, hypoxia, fish habitat, harmful algal blooms, habitat restoration, and predictive modeling are presented.
Comparisons among unique continental slope and shelf habitats off of North Carolina. (pdf, 6.1 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Steve Ross describes community structure, distributions, and trophodynamics of continental slope and shelf habitats, including coral banks, a canyon system, and outer shelf reefs.
Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats (pdf, 280 kb)
Abstract (pdf, 16 kb)
Three NOS scientists describe the contents of and uses for Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats, a new document that outlines steps to develop a scientifically sound and fiscally responsible monitoring plan and provides tools to assist in monitoring plan development and to guide decision making. The general framework, available monitoring tools, and socioeconomic monitoring are discussed.
New Technologies to Support Coastal Management (pdf, 4.3 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Dwight Trueblood shares results from some of the 99 technology research and development projects the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) has funded since its inception in 1997. CICEET projects address coastal management’s technology needs in the areas of microbial and toxic contaminants, nutrient over-enrichment, and habitat restoration.
Fish Habitat Utilization Patterns and Evaluation of the Efficacy of Marine Protected Areas in Hawaii (pdf, 8 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 16 kb)
Alan Friedlander shows how fish habitat use can be used to evaluate the efficacy of MPAs in Hawaii. Management status of a reef may be less important than assemblage characteristics.
Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean (pdf, 1.6 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean addresses this need by raising awareness and improving management of coral reefs across the region through improving the knowledge base on the status of and threats to coral reefs. Lauretta Burke and Jon Maidens explain how the program integrates information on the environmental health of the reefs with the impact of human activities to identify and mitigate causes of reef degradation, and evaluate the economic costs for the communities that depend on those reefs.
Benthic Habitat Mapping of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands Using Hyperspectral and Multispectral Imagery (pdf, 5.3 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
Dr. Jonathan Gradie explains hyperspectral and multispectral technologies being used to augment traditional visual mapping techniques, resulting in more accurate maps.
Predicting the Fate & Effects of Pollutants in Freshwater and Estuarine Ecosystems with AQUATOX (pdf, 3 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 12 kb)
The simulation model AQUATOX integrates aquatic ecology, chemical dynamics, bioaccumulation, and ecotoxicology to predict the environmental fate and both direct and indirect effects of nutrients, pesticides, and other chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Richard Park shows how the model has been used to analyze the effects of multiple pollutants on commercial fisheries in Galveston Bay, Texas.
Dealing with Uncertainty, Vacuums and Relativity in Coastal Management in Developing Countries. (pdf, 84 kb)
Abstract (pdf, 44 kb)
Jason Patlis recounts Indonesia’s recent attempts to foster coastal stewardship at the national level even while moving toward decentralized governance. Processes for drafting legislation and new methods for achieving elements of good governance, such as participation, transparency, accountability, and coordination are presented.
Modeling the Impacts of Sea-Level Rise. (pdf, 2 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 48 kb)
The SLAMM4 model was developed to assess impacts of accelerated sea-level rise due to global warming. Dr. Richard Park explains how the model is being applied to forecast wetland loss under various sea-level rise scenarios, and in predicting impacts on shrimp fisheries and migratory bird populations.
Predicting Impacts of Environmental Change: Modeling Estuarine & Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics. (pdf, 7 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 48 kb)
Integrated modeling systems that couple models of physical, biogeochemical, and ecological processes can help scientists and managers predict how an ecosystem will respond to stress or management. Dr. Peter Sheng presents a system being used by Florida resource managers to determine the allowable pollutant loading into watersheds of the Indian River Lagoon, and to understand larval movement within the Lagoon.
Australian Institute for Marine Sciences (AIMS) (pdf, 5.4 Mb)
Dr. Hall gives an overview of AIMS research program and explains how the resulting advances in ecosystem understanding are used to improve predictions of ecosystem condition and coastal decision-making. Examples include coral bleaching and marine protected areas.
A history of co-management in Bunaken National Marine Park (pdf, 3.6 Mb)
Mark Erdmann explains how Bunaken Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia has developed a participatory co-management model. Participatory zonation revision process, involvement of the private sector and local fishing communities in management, the joint villager-ranger enforcement system, and a decentralized user fee system are discussed.
Defining species habitat utilization patterns in Hawaii Marine Protected Areas (pdf, 5.8 Mb)
Marine reserve networks have the greatest chance of protection biodiversity and enhancing fisheries if they encompass representative portions of all ecologically relevant habitat types. Alan Friedlander introduces the habitat mapping techniques used to assess the distribution and quality of habitats and associated reef fishes to provide analytical justification for MPA boundaries and designation of essential fish habitat areas.
Assessment of the Eutrophication Status and Related Ecological\Quality Objectives for the North-East Atlantic (full presentation) (pdf, 2 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 64 kb)
OSPAR convention member countries committed to reducing nutrient inputsby 50 percent in areas where these inputs cause pollution. Germany's Uli Claussen explains the OSPAR process to assess the eutrophication status by 2002 and to eliminate problem areas by 2010.
Utility of Ecological Conceptual Models for Environmental Decision-Making (full presentation) (pdf, 6 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 52 kb)
Mark Harwell explains ecological conceptual models developed as a tool for describing the causal relationship between land uses, stressors, at-risk valued ecological resources, and their associated ecological endpoints and measures in the Everglades and Apalachicola Bay ecosystems.
Impacts of Aquatic Nuisance Species on Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecosystems (full presentation) (pdf, 9 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 44 kb)
Dave Gulko explains why Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems are susceptible to the rapid spread of non-native species, discusses the most likely vectors for introduction, and reviews previous introductions and ongoing mitigation efforts.
Modeling Complex Environmental Systems (full presentation) (pdf, 15 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 140 kb)
Jayne Dolph introduces a Dynamic Information Architecture System, a flexible, extensible, object-based framework that facilitates the integration of multiple models for multidisciplinary simulations of a wide variety of application contexts.
Predicted Impacts of Sea Level Rise, Hurricanes, and Human Stresses in South Florida (full presentation) (pdf, 24 Mb)
Abstract (pdf, 244 kb)
Harold Wanless uses South Florida to show how landscapes evolve in response to accelerated global change. Documentation of changes over the last 80 years and predictions for the next century are presented.
