[marcpage]

EPA is actively engaged in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF). The USCRTF was established by Executive Order 13089 to lead U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. It is instrumental in building partnerships and strategies for on-the-ground action to conserve coral reefs. The USCRTF is co-chaired by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of the Interior with regular participation from twelve federal agencies, seven states and territories, and three freely associated states. more

[goldcoin]

EPA protects coral reefs by implementing Clean Water Act programs that protect water quality in watersheds and coastal zones of coral reef areas. EPA also supports efforts to monitor and assess the condition of U.S. coral reefs, and conducts research into the causes of coral reef deterioration. EPA is developing tools to help adapt coral reefs to better handle changing conditions. Much of EPA’s work to protect coral reefs is conducted in partnership with other federal agencies, states, and territories. For example, EPA is an active member of the interagency U.S. Coral Reef Task Force.

[sniffsen]

The purpose of this document is to illustrate how the Recovery Potential Screening (RPS) Tool can be set up to evaluate and compare watersheds for sediment and nutrient runoff into coral reef ecosystems. This document helps set up the tool, select appropriate indicators for evaluating where conditions promote the likelihood of sediment and nutrient runoff, and interpret the outputs for purposes of prioritizing management activities.

[DarkMatter]

This Handbook on Coral Reef Impacts provides a review of the federal authorities, existing policies, and federal, state, and territory roles and responsibilities; a compendium of current best practices—science-based methodologies for quantifying ecosystem functions or services; and a general overview of basic protocols available for use when assessing impacts to coral reef ecosystems and mitigating or restoring for unavoidable impacts to coral reef ecosystems, including the use of appropriate compensatory action to replace the lost functions and services. [links]

[Anaxagoras]

NOAA’s coral reef conservation efforts are carried out primarily through its Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). Under this program, NOAA works with scientific, private, government, and nongovernmental organizations to achieve the goals of the CRTF. more

[jnishioka11]

Coral reefs are some of the most biologically rich and economically valuable ecosystems on Earth. They provide food, jobs, income, and protection to billions of people worldwide. However, coral reefs and the magnificent creatures that call them home are in danger of disappearing if actions are not taken to protect them. They are threatened by an increasing range of impacts including pollution, invasive species, diseases, bleaching, and global climate change. The rapid decline and loss of these valuable, ancient, and complex ecosystems have significant social, economic, and environmental consequences in the United States and around the world.

[matador]

Using high-resolution satellite imagery and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, NOAA has made detailed digital maps of reefs in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the eight main Hawaiian Islands and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Satellite technology is also used to detect harmful algal blooms that can smother reefs and to monitor elevated sea surface temperatures, which can cause coral bleaching.

[thomascaulk]

NOAA also monitors reefs using the Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS). This system consists of buoys deployed at reef sites that measure air temperature, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, sea temperature, salinity, and tide levels. Every hour, these data are transmitted to scientists to help them understand conditions that may cause bleaching of coral reefs. In addition to the monitoring work conducted by satellites and buoys, NOAA conducts research, assessment, and restoration projects of coral reefs in marine reserves and among deep-sea coral banks. NOAA is also working to remove tons of marine debris from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and restore damaged reefs. [links]

[BeeCee1]

There are also many things you can do to ensure that you are environmentally conscious when you visit coral reefs or coastal areas. These include things such as hiring local guides to support the economy, removing all trash from an area, never touching or harassing wildlife in reef areas, and avoiding dropping your boat anchor or chain nearby a coral reef. [links]

[harrison801]

Here are some things YOU can do: [links]

[morpheus]

Coral reefs play a vital role in sustaining the health of our oceans and our economy. NOAA is working to increase understanding of the causes of reef decline. | Infographic Transcript more

[harrison801]

Finally, stay informed and spread the word! Educate yourself about why healthy coral reefs are valuable to the people, fish, plants, and animals that depend on them. Your excitement will help others get involved.

[enhytgb]

[SylentOdasity]

The pledge includes 12 actions:

[Aqualung]

Grottoli said the society based the pledge on specific and attainable actions that everyone could take to help protect coral reefs. The society began talking about the pledge last year, but finalized it over video-conference meetings because of the COVID-19 pandemic. more

[Madoff]

“Each of these actions is related to sustainability, moderating climate change and environmental protection,” said Grottoli, who led the development of the Pledge for Coral Reefs. here

[Art Gallery]

Coral around the world has been dying at unprecedented rates, largely the result of warming ocean waters due to climate change. here

[storm]

“This is an educational tool to remind people that, ‘Wow, when I purchase products with single-use plastic, that affects coral reefs. When I don’t eat sustainably, that affects coral reefs. If I don’t vote, that affects coral reefs. So many environmental and climate change related issues impact coral reefs,” said Andréa Grottoli, professor of earth sciences at The Ohio State University and president of the International Coral Reef Society. more