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New Model on Initiation of Florida Red Tides Generates International Media Coverage

Scientists from the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment released a new research model on November 7 that links nutrients from the Mississippi River outflow as a stimulus for initiation of harmful algal blooms on the continental shelf off the west coast of Florida. The study provides models and data that support the hypothesis that red tide blooms originate offshore and not near the coast. The algae grow offshore, supplied with additional nutrients that appear to have originated from the Mississippi River in a process driven by normal seasonal wind patterns. The new hypothesis provides an important explanation that can aid in predicting when these blooms might start. In addition to local media outlets, the Associated Press story appeared in over 100 locations in the U.S., Japan, Australia, and several European countries. This peer-reviewed hypothesis is being published in a special issue on Florida red tide in the journal / Continental Shelf Research / to be released in 2008. For more information contact Rick Stumpf at (301) 713-3028 x173 or Richard.Stumpf@noaa.gov.

Benthic Habitat Maps Support Development of Biological Monitoring Program in Palau

Digital maps of Palau's seafloor and coral reef habitats recently completed by Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment researchers will serve as a key piece in establishing a biological monitoring program in Palau. This product will support Palau in meeting the goals of the Micronesian Challenge, a call on Micronesian nations to conserve 30 percent of near shore marine resources and 20 percent of terrestrial resources by 2020. In addition, the data and maps will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of local marine conservation areas and will identify new areas for protection. The maps and geospatial data were developed in cooperation with NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Republic of Palau, and are the result of the first comprehensive assessment of the extent and types of Palau's coral reefs. The study reveals that live coral covers approximately 35 percent of Palau's shallow-water sea floor, a high percentage relative to other areas that NOAA has mapped. The maps, data, and associated information are available online http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/palau/welcome.html. For more information contact Tim Battista at (301) 713-3028 x171 or Tim.Battista@noaa.gov.

Sediment Contamination Report to Enhance Management of a Natural Reserve Area in Southwest Puerto Rico

The Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment released a report on sediment contamination for Southwest Puerto Rico that provides important baseline data which can support the sustained management of local marine resources. The report titled, ìAn Assessment of Chemical Contaminants in the Marine Sediments of Southwest Puerto Rico http://www.ccma.nos.noaa.gov/publications/southwestpuertorico.pdf presents the first in-depth characterization of chemical contamination for this part of Puerto Rico. The report also provides a preliminary analysis of the association between sediment contaminants and coral species richness, and an assessment framework that can be used to determine linkages between chemical contaminants and the condition of coral reefs. In this phase of the project, over 120 organic and inorganic contaminants were analyzed in the sediments collected. This popular tourist area has also been designated a Natural Reserve by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. For more information contact Tony Pait at (301) 713-3028 x158 or Tony.Pait@noaa.gov.