“Coral reefs are among the most valuable ecosystems on earth, providing people with goods and services that include food, storm protection, and recreational opportunities. Despite their importance, coral reef ecosystems are in decline from a myriad of man-made and natural threats. In response, the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program established an integrated and focused monitoring effort with partners across the U.S.—the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP).  The goals of NCRMP monitoring are to:

• develop consistent and comparable methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs), which detail specific field, laboratory, and/or analytical procedures and best practices, for all indicators (with periodic updates to reflect new technologies or logistical considerations)
• develop and maintain strong partnerships with federal, state/territory, and academic partners
• collect scientifically sound, geographically comprehensive biological, climate, and socioeconomic data in U.S. coral reef areas
• deliver high‐quality data, data products, and tools to the coral reef conservation community
• provide context for interpreting results of localized monitoring
• provide periodic assessments of the status and trends of the nation’s coral reef ecosystems

Additional Information

• National Coral Reef Monitoring Plan
• National Coral Reef Monitoring Program – Fact Sheet