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National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (CCMA)
Weekly Report – June 25, 2008
Ecological Characterization to Improve Management of Land-based Sources of Pollution in Puerto Rico
The Center for Coastal Monitorng and Assessment, in cooperation with the Coral Reef Conservation Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has published a report that characterizes potential land-based sources of pollution to a coral reef ecosystem at a NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve to 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, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and Puerto Rico Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales 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, contact Adam Zitello at (301) 713-3028 x176 or Adam.Zitello@noaa.gov.
Collaborative Research in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Surveys Invasive Species Using Towed Underwater Video
A recent collaboration between the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and National Marine Fisheries Service’s Coral Reef Ecosystem Division looked for invasive species using towed underwater video cameras. One invasive species, ta’ape or bluestripe snapper (Lutjanus kasmira), native to the Marquesas Islands, was detected in habitats that have never before been surveyed. The field mission was conducted May 2-29 from the NOAA Ship HI’IALAKAI at French Frigate Shoals and Brooks Banks, with the objectives of surveying benthic habitats for invasive species and evaluating 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.