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Coral Reef Ecosystem Division

Mission

Reef fish on coral reef at French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

The mission of the Coral Reef Ecosystem Division at the NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) is to ensure long-term viability of coral reef ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago and other U.S.-related islands in the Pacific Ocean. Valued for their economic, recreational, and environmental importance, some coral reefs are now under threat from multiple stressors. Public support to conserve and protect our coral reef ecosystems is provided by the following Executive Orders [issued by the President]: Coral Reef Protection Executive Order (June 1988), Marine Protected Area Executive Order (May 2000), and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Executive Order (December 2000).

Background

NOAA diver laying sampling quadrat on coral reef at French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

Supported by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, the NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center has embarked on a comprehensive program to understand our coral reef ecosystems and to reduce adverse impacts of human activities. This involves collaboration with scientific, private, government, and nongovernmental organizations at the local, state, federal, and international levels.

NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program is a partnership among the NOAA Line Offices working on coral reef issues: the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National Ocean Service, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service. The Coral Reef Conservation Program brings together expertise from across NOAA for a multidisciplinary approach to supporting effective management and sound science to preserve, sustain, and restore valuable coral reef ecosystems.

In our efforts to reduce the effects of derelict fishing gear on coral reef ecosystems of the Hawaiian Archipelago, the NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center also partners with the NOAA Marine Debris Program. The NOAA Marine Debris Program, part of the National Ocean Service, Office of Response & Restoration, aims to reduce the amount of debris that enters the coastal and marine environments through research, prevention, and reduction activities. These actions were recommended by the U.S Commission on Ocean Policy and are required by the U.S Ocean Action Plan, Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987, and other mandates delegated to NOAA.