The Coral Reef Conservation Program was established in 2000 by the Coral Reef Conservation Act to protect, conserve, and restore the nation's coral reefs by maintaining healthy ecosystem function. We focus on six areas of work:
A Multidisciplinary Approach
NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program brings together expertise from across NOAA for a multidisciplinary approach to studying these complex ecosystems to inform more effective management. We work closely with NOAA scientists in the National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service.
Collaboration is critical to coral reef conservation. We partner with state and territorial governments, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to take targeted approaches to local issues that impact coral reef ecosystems.
Sharing Our Performance Results
Sharing information is vital for better, evidence-based decisions and improved coral reef management. It also helps our program and all partners (federal, state/territorial, and local) coordinate when planning and carrying out projects.
To increase transparency of project outcomes, we developed fact sheets summarizing the performance results, selected key achievements, and products created to implement the Coral Program's 2018 strategic plan. Significant progress was made in fiscal years 2021 to 2026 to advance the program's objectives, demonstrating a commitment to supporting coral reef resilience through various initiatives and collaborations.
The factsheet linked below covers one of the Coral Program’s four priority areas (changing ocean conditions, land-based sources of pollution, fisheries, and coral restoration) laid out in the 2018 strategic plan.
Changing Ocean Conditions FY21-26 Performance Factsheet
Coral Reef Conservation at NOAA Includes