International, Multi-disciplinary Workshop Begins Development of Research Strategy for Deep Light-dependent Coral Ecosystems
National and international scientists and resource managers recently gathered to help develop the first comprehensive strategy to identify and prioritize research and management needs of mesophotic (deeper light-dependent) coral ecosystems. These relatively pristine coral ecosystems are typically found in tropical and sub-tropical regions between 30-100+ meters in association with algal and sponge communities. Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) can serve as refugia for shallow water species, which may warrant special resource management attention. This protection will help maintain local and/or regional biodiversity under increasing threats from both natural and anthropogenic sources such as bleaching, disease, harmful fishing practices, overfishing, and climate change. NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), and National Undersea Research Program (NURP) in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) sponsored this first ever MCE workshop. The research strategy will guide NOAA, other governmental agencies, and academia as they explore these relatively unknown coral ecosystems.
National and international scientists and resource managers recently gathered to help develop the first comprehensive strategy to identify and prioritize research and management needs of mesophotic (deeper light-dependent) coral ecosystems. These relatively pristine coral ecosystems are typically found in tropical and sub-tropical regions between 30-100+ meters in association with algal and sponge communities. Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) can serve as refugia for shallow water species, which may warrant special resource management attention. This protection will help maintain local and/or regional biodiversity under increasing threats from both natural and anthropogenic sources such as bleaching, disease, harmful fishing practices, overfishing, and climate change. NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), and National Undersea Research Program (NURP) in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) sponsored this first ever MCE workshop. The research strategy will guide NOAA, other governmental agencies, and academia as they explore these relatively unknown coral ecosystems.
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Steering Committee Richard Appeldoorn - Caribbean Coral Reef Institute Mike Dowgiallo - NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR Lara Hinderstein - NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR John Marr - Perry Institute for Marine Sciences Felix Martinez - NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR Kimberly Puglise - NOAA/OAR/OER Richard Pyle - Bishop Museum Dave Zawada - USGS Participants Biodiversity Marjorie Reaka (lead) - University of Maryland David Ballantine - University of Puerto Rico Mike Dowgiallo - NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR Darryl Felder - University of Louisiana Julie Olson - University of Alabama Richard Pyle - Bishop Museum John Reed - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Geomorphology and Physical Processes Stan Locker (lead) - University of South Florida Roy Armstrong - University of Puerto Rico Tim Battista - NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Pat Colin - Coral Reef Research Foundation Clark Sherman - University of Puerto Rico Dave Zawada - USGS Community Structure/Dynamics Sam Kahng (lead) - Hawaii Pacific University at the Oceanic Institute Reni Garcia - University of Puerto Rico Lara Hinderstein - NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR Chris Kellogg - USGS Heather Spalding - University of Hawaii at Manoa Rob Toonen - University of Hawaii at Manoa Ernesto Weil - University of Puerto Rico |
Intra/Interconnectivity Marc Slattery (lead) - University of Mississippi Pim Bongaerts - University of Queensland Brian Bowen - University of Hawaii at Manoa Michael Lesser - University of New Hampshire Rick Nemeth - University of Virgin Islands Kimberly Puglise - NOAA/OAR/OER/NURP Paul Yoshioka - University of Puerto Rico Fisheries Uses/Impacts Jerry Ault (lead) - University of Miami/RSMAS Rich Appeldoorn - Caribbean Coral Reef Institute Behzad Mahmoudi - FL Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Tony Montgomery - HI Division of Aquatic Resources Management Needs G.P. Schmahl (lead) - Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Brian Keller (co-lead) - NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Randy Kosaki - NOAA Sanctuaries Felix Martinez - NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR Jack Sobel - Ocean Conservancy David Wachenfeld - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Additional contributors Andrew Baker - University of Miami/RSMAS Chris Kelley - Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory Roger Pugliese - South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Tori Redinger - Perry Institute for Marine Sciences Sponsors NOAA Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research/NOAA's Undersea Research Program U.S. Geological Survey Perry Institute for Marine Science Jupiter Beach Resort |