Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy Released
This story posted on October 5th, 2009

On October 1st, NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research and the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science released the first report to identify critical research needs for mesophotic coral ecosystems, which are found in tropical and subtropical regions at intermediate depths ranging from 30 to 150 meters. Little is known or understood about these ecosystems, but scientists think that they may serve as potential sources to reseed or replenish degraded shallow-water coral populations and as critical habitats for commercially and ecologically important species. Research priorities for the report were divided into three themes: characterization, ecology, and values and threats. NOAA collaborated on the report with experts from state, federal, and international agencies, academia, and nongovernmental organizations. For more information and copies of the Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy, please visit http://www.cop.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreefs/current/MCE_Res_strat.html.

Contact information:
Name: John Tomczuk, NOAA/OER Coral Program Lead
Tel: (301) 734-1009
john.tomczuk@noaa.gov