Background

Although biologists have been engaged in the study and characterization of coral reef ecosystems for many years, recent efforts have focused on the development and implementation of effective monitoring and assessment programs. These efforts have been in part been fueled by Federal legislation such as the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. §§6401 et seq.), executive orders 13089 (Coral Reef Protection), 13178 (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve) and Presidential Proclamation 8336 establishing the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument.

An important component of reef assessment methodologies is to establish baseline information.   In order to complete this, a mapping and inventory initiative of all US coral reef ecosystems including those found in Micronesia (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Palau) and Polynesia (American Samoa) is underway.

The assessment and monitoring initiative includes conducting rapid assessment and inventories, monitoring of coral, fish, and other resources, and evaluation of water and substrate quality.