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U.S. coral reefs are in fair condition, but are vulnerable and declining

This infographic describes the condition of coral reefs from Very Good to Critical and marks where U.S. coral reefs are on the continuum (fair).

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 for all U.S. coral reef status reports.

U.S. coral reefs are in fair condition, but are vulnerable and declining

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Infographic Transcript: U.S. coral reefs are in fair condition, but are vulnerable and declining

Coral reef condition ranges from Very Good to Critical. The words We Are Here marks the spot along the gradient where condition of U.S. coral reef currently stands, which is in fair condition as of the last National report released in 2021.

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.

Data from Coral Reef Condition: A status report for U.S. Coral Reefs (2020)