This infographic describes the condition of coral reefs in the Pacific and in the Atlantic basins using data from 2012-2018.
This infographic was made in collaboration with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network.
Visit the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program's page.
Infographic Transcript: Coral reefs in the Pacific/Coral reefs in the Atlantic
Coral reefs in the Pacific - Corals & algae, fish, human connections, and climate combined into an overall Pacific score of 74%.
Coral reefs in the Atlantic - Corals & algae, fish, human connections, and climate combined into an overall Atlantic score of 70%.
What do the scores mean? U.S. coral reefs were scored based on indicators within four major themes: Corals & Algae make up the base of the coral reef ecosystem, providing food and shelter for fish and other reef creatures; Fish are key to healthy reefs, coastal economies, and the livelihoods of local communities; Climate, especially temperature and ocean chemistry, indicate the level of environmental stress to the reef (changing climate conditions can vary on both regional and local levels); Human Connections to coral reefs helps gauge local support for reef management, conservation, and community engagement.
90-100% Very Good - All or almost all indicators meet reference values. Conditions in these locations are unimpacted, or minimally impacted or have not declined. Human connections are very high.
80-89% Good - Most indicators meet reference values. Conditions in these locations are lightly impacted or have lightly declined. Human connections are high.
70-79% Fair - Some indicators meet reference values. Conditions in these locations are moderately impacted or have declined moderately. Human connections are moderate.
60-69% Impaired - Few indicators meet reference values. Conditions in these locations are very impacted or have declined considerably. Human connections are lacking.
0-59% Critical - Very few or no indicators meet reference values. Conditions in these locations are severely impacted or have declined substantially. Human connections are severely lacking.