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National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (CCMA)
Weekly Report – August 6, 2008
Partnership to Characterize Human Use Pharmaceuticals in the Southern California Bight to Improve Resource Management
In July, scientists from the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA) traveled to southern California to participate in the Southern California Bight 2008 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey, with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). As part of this effort, sediments were collected for the analysis of human use pharmaceuticals to quantify the distribution and concentration of these bioactive chemicals in the marine environment. There is concern that the continuous input of pharmaceuticals into the aquatic environment could have adverse environmental impacts, ranging from endocrine disruption to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As part of the project, sediment and water samples are also being collected for the analysis of bacterial and viral pathogens. For additional information, please contact Tony Pait at (301) 713-3028 x158 or Tony.Pait@noaa.gov, John Christensen at (301) 713-3028 x153 or John.Christensen@noaa.gov, or Mike Fulton at (843) 762-8576 or Mike.Fulton@noaa.gov.
Habitat Digitizer GIS Tool Demonstrated for Use in Mapping Coral Reef Ecosystems
A Center Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA) researcher recently demonstrated the Habitat Digitizer Extension for ArcGIS9 at a workshop on Technology Tools for Ecosystem Based Management of Coral Reefs, emphasizing its applicability for mapping benthic marine habitats. The digitizer, developed by NCCOS, enables users to visually interpret georeferenced images, such as aerial photographs, satellite images, and side scan sonar, and apply a hierarchical classification scheme to delineate habitats. The extension allows users to create, modify, and save custom habitat classification schemes and rapidly delineate and attribute polygons, lines, and points using simple menus. The tool, step-by-step instructions, and descriptions of the various functions are available online to all users at http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/digitizer/index.html. The workshop was convened July 12 at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, with participation by scientists, students, and natural resource managers. For more information, contact Laurie Bauer at (301) 713-3028 x236 or Laurie.Bauer@noaa.gov, or Ken Buja at (301) 713-3028 x140 or Ken.Buja@noaa.gov
National Park Service and NCCOS release educational video on Buck Island Reef National Monument
The National Park Service’s Buck Island Reef National Monument in St. Croix, U.S.Virgin Islands and the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment – Biogeography Branch have released a video documenting current research to support management of marine resources in and near the Monument. This video is intended for visitors to the Monument, middle and high school educators, resource managers, and other audiences. The 17-minute long CD-ROM video illustrates the agency partnership and showcases cutting-edge technologies to map and monitor the marine environment in an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). For more information, contact Tim Battista at (301) 713-3028 x171 or Tim.Battista@noaa.gov