NOAA LAUNCHES NEW CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROGRAM WEB SITE

Aug. 5, 2004 — NOAA launched a new Web site featuring information and products regarding the nation’s coral reefs. Created by the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Web site supports the program’s mission to provide effective management and sound science to preserve, sustain and restore valuable coral reef ecosystems.

“We have seen increasing demand for information about coral reef ecosystems from managers, scientists, teachers and the public including scuba divers, boaters and fishermen. This Web site provides a new way to access a wide variety of useful information on coral reefs including grants, products and services from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program,” said David Kennedy, program manager.

The Web site provides links to:

• Search for NOAA Coral Reef Data, Information and Products: This page directs users to the NOAA Coral Reef Information System, launched in 2002, to consolidate access to NOAA’s coral reef information and data products.
• Funding Opportunities: This page provides links to several grant programs supported by NOAA that fund coral reef conservation activities. Detailed information on the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program is provided as well. In 2004 this grant program expects to award more than $5.5 million for activities supporting coral reef science and management.
• News and Highlights: This section includes highlights from NOAA Coral Reef News, the Coral Reef Conservation Program’s monthly electronic newsletter. An archive of past news items is also available.
• Outreach and Education: This new section includes resources for students interested in learning more about reefs, as well as lesson plans and other useful information for educators.
• About the Program: This page provides background information on the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, as well as contact information for media inquiries.

Among the new resources available on the site are fact sheets that accompanied a recent billboard and poster campaign designed to increase awareness of the importance of healthy coral reef ecosystems. These fact sheets provide information on how healthy coral reefs provide valuable services such as income, coastal protection and habitat, medicines and recreation.

The Coral Reef Conservation Program Web site serves as a companion site to the NOAA Coral Reef Information System, which contains more than 500 records directing users to more than 9,500 coral reef products. CoRIS provides searchable access to data and information derived from NOAA’s coral reef activities, as well as extensive background information and essays on coral reefs. The new Web site provides links to CoRIS and complements these offerings by providing news and highlights of recent NOAA coral reef activities.

The Coral Reef Conservation Program is a partnership between the NOAA line offices working on coral reef issues, including the NOAA Ocean Service; the NOAA Fisheries; NOAA Research; and the NOAA Satellites and Information Service.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program

NOAA Coral Reef Information System

Media Contact:
Glenda Powell, NOAA Ocean Service, (301) 713-3066 ext. 191