You are here: Home › Research
Research
The Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA) produces status reports that characterize the physical, chemical, and biological status of U.S. coastal and estuarine environments, as well as NOAA managed areas, such as National Marine Sanctuaries and National Estuarine Research Reserves. CCMA research attempts to distinguish natural from man-made changes, and to forecast the effects of changes on human uses of coastal resources. These status reports (assessments), which are updated routinely, are based on an integrated program of applied research and monitoring. CCMA conducts field-based science at national and regional sites in diverse settings ranging from estuaries, to coral reefs, to the coastal ocean. CCMA’s work is presented under the five major environmental stressors identified by NCCOS: Pollution, Land and Resource Use, Invasive Species, Climate Change, and Extreme Events.
Following are research projects currently underway or recently completed within CCMA:
Algorithm Development (Remote Sensing Team)
Algorithms are being developed to facilitate ecological forecasting. Development includes modification of the global SeaWiFs algorithm for improved, coast-specific chlorophyll level detection and atmospheric correction. Read More›
Coral Reef Environments (Remote Sensing Team)
The Team is developing techniques to assess environmental change over coral reefs. This involves determination of water quality patterns and of broad trends in the condition of habitats in coral reef areas using satellite data. We are also developing improved methods for merging of satellite and aircraft data sets. Read More›
Estimating Wind Stress (Remote Sensing Team)
This project investigated the use of AVHRR satellite data as an alternative to intensive field sampling for obtaining spatially varying wind stress measurements. Read More›
Eutrophication Forecasting: Climatology (Remote Sensing Team)
In some regions (particularly near major rivers), excess nutrients can be added to the coastal zone, resulting in increased productivity, increased sedimentation of organic matter, and increased bacterial respiration. Our team is currently conducting climatology studies in the Gulf of Mexico to facilitate eutrophication forecasting based on precipitation. Read More›
Harmful Algal Blooms: Identification and Monitoring (Remote Sensing Team)
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a concern throughout the coastal areas of the United States. "Harmful Algal Blooms" refers to a diverse phenomena which causes shellfish poisoning, fish/wildlife death, and illness in humans. Studies are specific to each region. Read More›