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National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (CCMA)

Weekly Report – June 18, 2008

CENTER ACTIVITIES

Collaborative Research in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Identifies Invasive Species in Previously Unsurveyed Area in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

A recent collaboration between the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and National Marine Fisheries Service’s Coral Reef Ecosystem Division identified an invasive species, bluestripe snapper (Lutjanus kasmira), native to the Marquesas Islands, in habitats that have never before been surveyed. Data were collected from May 2-29 from the NOAA vessel Hi’ialakai using towed underwater cameras at French Frigate Shoals and Brooks Banks. The objectives of the mission were to survey benthic habitats for invasive species and evaluate sampling technologies and predictive mapping capabilities. NCCOS scientists are evaluating the data and will present the Monument a report of significant findings. For more information contact Charles Menza at (301) 713-3028 x107 or charles.menza@noaa.gov, or visit http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/invasivespecies/monitoring.html .  [06M00093] (CCMA)

Significance:  Unlike the main Hawaiian Islands, the Monument has relatively few invasive species, and managers would like to keep it that way.  Information collected during the field mission will help develop invasive species survey plans and protocols.

OUTREACH

NCCOS Scientists Speak to Students about Marine Science Careers

Scientists and educators from NOAA (NCCOS Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, NOS Coral Reef Conservation Program, and NOS Special Projects Office) recently reviewed group projects presented by 5th, 6th and 7th grade students from three schools in Maryland and Virginia.  Thirty-five students presented their projects at the second annual NOAA Waterways Student Conference held in Silver Spring, Maryland. Students either: 1) investigated how physical, geological, chemical, and biological variables as well as human activities affected a coral reef ecosystem within the US National Marine Sanctuary system, or 2) used real data from NOAA to navigate a virtual cargo ship through a major ocean from one port to another. In return, NOAA researchers discussed their job experiences with students and answered questions about where they conduct research on coral reef ecosystems, their educational backgrounds, and what led them to their careers.  For more information, contact Chris Jeffrey (CCMA) at (301) 713-3028 x 134 or chris.jeffrey@noaa.gov, or Bruce Moravchik (SPO Outreach and Education Division) at (301) 713-3010 x 218 or bruce.moravchik@noaa.gov .  [03M00043] (CCMA)

POLLUTION

NCCOS Collaboration Results in Ecological Characterization to Improve Management of Land-based Sources of Pollution in Puerto Rico

The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) in cooperation with the Coral Reef Conservation Program and USDA has published a report that characterizes potential land-based sources of pollution to the coral reef ecosystem of the NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve at Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico to better mitigate their effects.  Characterizing Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico: A Watershed Modeling Analysis and Monitoring Plan provides an initial screening of areas on the landscape that may exert the greatest stress on the coral reef ecosystem from sedimentation and pollution.  In addition, the report includes a description of the monitoring efforts being conducted by NOAA and local NERRS staff in the estuary.  The publication is a component of a larger cooperative project with USDA, EPA, USGS and Puerto Rico DNRA to assess the effectiveness of agricultural best management practices in the watershed.  The report is available online at http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/CEAP.html and hard copies are available upon request.  For more information, please contact Adam Zitello at (301)713-3028 x176 or Adam.Zitello@noaa.gov.  [07M00012] (CCMA)

Significance: The findings of this characterization support efforts by USDA and NOAA scientists to evaluate the effectiveness of selected conservation practices and make recommendations for other agricultural operations in tropical regions. 

THE PEOPLE

CCMA Hosts Four Summer Undergraduate Interns

Please welcome Sherrita Commey, Rogerick Magee, Courtney McGeachy, and Lizeidy Nieves-Vera as summer interns from NOAA's Undergraduate Scholars Program.  They will be learning about CCMA's work as they assist various projects being conducted by COAST and Biogeography Branches.  Sherrita Commey will be located on SSMC4’s 8th floor (8400) and will work with COAST, while Courtney (9245), Rogerick Magee (9256), and Lizeidy (9257) will be hosted by Biogeography on the 9th floor.  The Internship program began on June 9 and will run through July 28th, 2008.  NOAA's Educational Partnership Program was established in 2001 to provide financial assistance through competitive processes to minority-serving institutions that support research and training of students in NOAA-related sciences.  The Undergraduate Scholars Program targets students who have completed their sophomore year, attending minority serving institutions and have recently declared, or about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic, or environmental disciplines that support these sciences. The interns are paired with one or two mentors who will help them develop a schedule of work for the internship period.  For more information, contact Chris Jeffrey (CCMA) at (301) 713-3028 x 134 or chris.jeffrey@noaa.gov,