NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program has awarded more than $8.3 million in grants and cooperative agreements, supporting conservation projects and scientific studies in seven U.S. states and territories, as well as international projects in the Caribbean and Micronesia.
Grant award recipients are also providing more than $5.2 million in matching support for these critical projects.
“Coral reefs are responsible for injecting an estimated $3.4 billion into the U.S. economy every year,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross . “By working with local governments and organizations to support healthy coral reefs for the future, the Department and NOAA will help ensure this economic benefit to communities across the country.”
These projects and studies will help address the three primary threats to coral reefs: a changing global climate, land-based sources of pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. The awards also fund activities to heal and restore damaged coral reefs.
Nearly half of the funds support projects led by state and territorial resource management agencies, while other projects are run by non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic partners. A limited number of international projects focused on Micronesia, southern Mexico and northern Central America, and the wider Caribbean region were also supported. In addition, the awards build on long-term project partnerships with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.
“Healthy, resilient coral reefs are important to our economy, and protect lives, livelihoods and valuable coastal infrastructure. Not only are coral reefs a major driver of coastal recreation and tourism in the U.S., they also provide natural coastal infrastructure that reduces wave energy and flooding during storms,” said Jennifer Koss , director of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program. “We are excited to support work that, in turn, supports the future of coral reefs by reducing local threats and developing cutting-edge conservation strategies.”
Project examples include:
According to NOAA, all of the proposals submitted for funding underwent extensive and rigorous technical review before final decisions were made.
The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program’s mission is to protect, conserve and restore coral reef resources by maintaining healthy ecosystem function.
Source: NOAA