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Coral Reef Biological Criteria: Using Clean Water Act to Protect a National Treasure
Citation:
FISHER, W. S. AND P. BRADLEY. Coral Reef Biological Criteria: Using Clean Water Act to Protect a National Treasure. Presented at Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas Global Summit on Coastal Seas, Baltimore, MD, August 28 - 31, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
Abstract for presentation at the Global Summit on Coastal Seas
Description:
A collaborative Environmental Protection Agency effort is underway to elucidate the technical aspects of coral reef biocriteria implementation. A stony coral rapid bioassessment protocol has been introduced and applied in the Florida Keys and U.S. Virgin Islands, where several indicators were validated for sensitivity to human disturbance. Additional assemblages (fish, octocorals, sponges) are now being examined for responsiveness. Linkage of coral condition to watershed land use activities, using landscape characterization, has been demonstrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assessment options for long-term programs, such as rotating panel designs, have been elucidated and technical guidance developed. Once adopted, a bioassessment monitoring program for biocriteria will provide legally-defensible records of coral condition and regulatory compliance.