Partnering for Reef Resilience

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Partnering for Reef Resilience

NOAA and The Nature Conservancy are working hand in hand to foster more resilient coral reefs around the United States and internationally. The idea is simple: we know climate change is the single greatest global threat to coral reefs; promoting reef resilience is a local solution.

The Reef Resilience Program is a decade-long partnership effort lead by The Nature Conservancy that builds the capacity of reef managers around the world to better address climate change impacts and other stressors to reefs. These local stressors can range from the runoff of land-based sources of pollution to the overharvest of fish that occupy a unique ecological niche. By reducing the impact of local stressors and fostering resilience, coral reefs stand a better chance to survive and recover from larger climate impacts.

Check out these stories of successful resilience-based coral reef management from around the U.S. and its territories. For more information about the partnership between NOAA and The Nature Conservancy, as well as The Nature Conservancy Reef Resilience Program, visit: http://www.reefresilience.org/

West Maui, Hawaii: More fish mean more resilient corals

Photo 1/7 : In 2009, Hawaii established the state's first marine protected area designed to promote coral reef resilience. The Kahekili Herbivore Fishery Management Area off the west coast of Maui protects reef-grazing fish-like the parrotfish and goatfish-that play important roles in maintaining ecosystem balance. Photo courtesy of the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources.

West Maui, Hawaii: More fish mean more resilient corals

Photo 2/7 : Six years on, locals are seeing more fish and strong evidence of coral recovery and resilience. The coral reef ecosystem has shifted from a once algal-dominated system to a coral-dominant one following a long period of decline. Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy. Learn more ...

Palau, Micronesia: Growing a network of marine protected areas to boost reef resilience

Photo 3/7 : This small U.S. territory in the Pacific is home to a coral reef ecosystem that is often called one of the "seven underwater wonders of the world." Following a severe bleaching event in 1998, lawmakers passed legislation to establish a network of terrestrial and marine protected areas. Photo courtesy of J. Waddell, NOAA.

Palau, Micronesia: Growing a network of marine protected areas to boost reef resilience

Photo 4/7 :Today, Palau's steps to reduce local threats to reefs have proven a success. The island's corals have shown a tremendous recovery from the bleaching event in 1998. Research shows efforts to reduce land-based sources of pollution and other challenges unique to Palau supports the recovery of coral reefs following major natural disturbances. Photo courtesy of J. Waddell, NOAA. Learn more ...

Florida Keys and U.S. Virgin Islands: Coral nurseries support coastal recovery

Photo 5/7 :Elkhorn coral and staghorn coral were once dominant coral species in the wider Caribbean. However, over the last several decades these corals have suffered severe population declines due to disease, hurricanes, and coral bleaching events. In 2006, elkhorn coral and staghorn coral were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Program.

Florida Keys and U.S. Virgin Islands: Coral nurseries support coastal recovery

Photo 6/7 :In 2009, NOAA and The Nature Conservancy partnered to expand work to restore these key coral species through the establishment of coral nurseries in the Florida Keys and U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, this collaboration is a success with scientists maintaining and transplanting tens of thousands of elkhorn and staghorn corals grown in nurseries as part of a larger recovery strategy for the Caribbean. Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Program. Learn more ...

Reef Resilience Network Forum: A place for sharing resilience management strategies and real-world practices that work

Photo 7/7 :Scientists, managers, and communities have built a unique, online global forum through The Nature Conservancy, to share their experiences, best practices, and resources for effective resilience-based coral reef management.

Although no one coral reef ecosystem is the same and they each face challenges unique to their location, members of The Nature Conservancy's Reef Resilience Network can learn from each other and adapt tools and techniques for their unique needs. Learn more ...