Divers removing a derelict fishing net from the reef in the Northwestern Hawaiian islands. Photo: (NOAA Fisheries/Steven Gnam)
The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program has released their new strategic plan which will guide the agency’s future coral reef research and conservation efforts.
The plan outlines newly refined strategies for increasing resilience to climate change, improving fisheries’ sustainability and reducing land-based sources of pollution, while adding a new focus of work—restoring viable coral populations. Addressing the top three recognized threats to coral reefs and supporting coral reef restoration are now the four “pillars” of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.
By implementing strategies specific to the four pillars of the program, we aim to 1) restore and preserve corals; 2) maintain ecosystem functions; and 3) improve coral habitat, water quality and populations of key coral reef fishery species in target areas by 2040. For more information on the four pillars see here: strategic plan fact sheet.
Original Source: NOAA website