1. NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystems Research Plan

2. Identifies where and what kind of intervention is needed – mapping & assessment. Expands management options – tool & technology development. Guides implementation of these management programs – socioeconomics. Tracks and evaluates our success – monitoring. NOAA Research

3. Why are we doing this plan? This plan is to support the NOAA Programs that conduct coral activities The Research Plan will be used to guide all NOAA Coral Programs that conduct research Improve the link between science and management.

4. The goal of NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystems Research is to provide managers with scientific understanding and tools to protect and manage coral reef ecosystems.

5. What actions need to taken? What are the information needs of managers to support and evaluate their actions? NOAA CRE Research Plan

6. Scope of Research Plan Covers FY2005-2010 Audience = NOAA Covers ALL NOAA’s coral reef research activities, including: –Strategic Research –Mapping –Monitoring –Assessment –Socioeconomic Research © Mike Risk

7. ITMEMS1 and ITMEMS2 Implications for Coral Reef Management and Policy, 9 th ICRS NOAA’s State of the Coral Reef Ecosystems NOAA offices – ie. NOAA Fisheries and Sanctuaries NCRI and NCORE conferences International – i.e. AIMS National Research Priorities NOAA CRE Research Plan

8. Coral Reef Research Priorities will be driven by… 1.The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000: –National Coral Reef Action Strategy (2002) –The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States 2.U.S. Coral Reef Task Force –The National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs (2000) –Improved Prioritization of needs in Oct. 2002 to a threat- based focus: Land-based sources of pollution Overfishing Climate change, Coral bleaching, and Coral Disease –Local Action Strategies Regional Research Priorities –Atlantic vs. Pacific

9. Regional High Priority Threats ATLANTIC Climate Change and Coral Bleaching Coral Diseases Coastal development and runoff Coastal pollution Fishing Ships, boats, and groundings PACIFIC Coastal development and runoff Coastal pollution Tourism and Recreation Fishing Ships, boats, and groundings Invasive Species Marine Debris

10. Coral Reef Regions ATLANTIC Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Florida Keys, SE Florida, W. Florida Shelf Flower Garden Banks Navassa Island PACIFIC Main Hawaiian Islands NWHI American Samoa Guam Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Pacific Freely Associated States Pacific Remote Island Areas

11. Who is in the Process? 1.Steering Group Co-Chaired by OAR and NOS Consists of Coral Matrix representatives from NESDIS, NOS, NMFS, and OAR 2.Writing Team NOAA + partners 3.Review Group A Consists of Individuals or Groups within NOAA 4.Review Group B Consists of Individuals or Groups outside of NOAA, including the USCRTF, Fishery Management Councils, etc.

12. Questions?

13. Draft Research Plan Outline Comments Due Solicited From: Steering Group Draft Research Plan (version 1) Drafted by Writing Team Draft Research Plan (version 2) Drafted by Writing Team Steering Group Draft Research Plan (version 3) Drafted by Writing Team Steering Group Federal Register Notice Requesting Comments on Draft Plan (version 3) Final Draft Research Plan Presented to NEP Comments from: NEP Steering Group selects Review Group A and B Comments Due Solicited From: Steering Group Review Group A Comments Due Solicited From: Steering Group Review Group A Review Group B Comments Due From: Public Final Research Plan Research Plan Planning Meeting May 5 May 28 June 11 October 20 Sept. 7 Sept. 29 Oct. 29 Nov. 28 NOAA CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH PLAN Draft Process Chart + 60 Days + 14 Days Oct. 10 USCRTF Meeting Presentation Oct. 3-7 Jan. 9

14. STRUCTURED ON: NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystems Research Plan NOAA’s Legislative Mandates –Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 –Executive Order 13089 –Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act –Endangered Species Act –National Marine Sanctuaries Act –Coastal Zone Management Act –Government Performance and Results Act NOAA’s MISSION –NOAA Strategic Plan FY2003-FY2008