Gulf Council Publishes Known Coral Locations in Gulf
[News release from Kelly Drinnin at the NOAA Marine Sanctuary] Coral reefs are a crucial foundation for many of the marine species living in the Gulf of Mexico. They provide food, shelter, and nursery grounds to a seemingly endless list of fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and other inhabitants. Many of the fish we target as commercial or recreational fishermen spend some part of their life on a reef feeding, growing, or seeking shelter that s why these habitats are so important.
Unfortunately, coral reefs, their health, and abundance, are threatened by many things including; oil spills, ocean acidification, climate change, and rising ocean temperatures. Advances in technology such as satellite imagery and remote sensors that monitor the ever-changing ocean environment have allowed scientists to better understand the factors threatening coral reefs. Identifying coral communities allows for better management against the many threats posed on corals.
The coral web mapper created by the Gulf Council allows scientists, managers, and the public to explore the different corals in the Gulf of Mexico.
The five categories of corals/organisms that are depicted on the map tool are:
- Black Coral
- Octocoral
- Sea Pen
- Soft Coral
- Sponge
- Stony Coral
Check out the map tool to explore this comprehensive inventory of known coral locations in the Gulf of Mexico. See the map here.
SOURCE: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
