Turgeon, D.D., R.G. Asch, B.D. Causey, R.E. Dodge, W. Jaap, K. Banks, J. Delaney, B.D. Keller, R. Speiler, C.A. Matos, J.R. Garcia, E. Diaz, D. Catanzaro, C.S. Rogers, Z. Hillis-Starr, R. Nemeth, M. Taylor, G.P. Schmahl, M.W. Miller, D.A. Gulko, J.E. Maragos, A.M. Friedlander, C.L. Hunter, R.S. Brainard, P. Craig, R.H. Richond, G. Davis, J. Starmer, M. Trianni, P. Houk, C.E. Birkeland, A. Edward, Y. Golbuu, J. Gutierrez, N. Idechong, G. Paulay, A. Tafileichig, and N. Vander Velde. 2002. The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2002. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Ocean Service/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring, MD. 265 pp.

Availability
Available for free download.

Description
The first-ever national assessment of the condition of U.S. coral reefs was released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The report identifies the pressures that pose increasing risks to reefs, particularly in certain “hot spots” located near population centers. The report also assesses the health of reef resources, ranks threats in 13 geographic areas, and details mitigation efforts.

Led by NOAA’s National Ocean Service, the 265-page report, The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States, was developed by 38 coral reef experts and 79 expert contributors. Prepared under the auspices of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, the report establishes a baseline that will now be used for biennial reports on the health of U.S. coral reefs. NOAA has also released A National Coral Reef Strategy, a report to Congress outlining specific action to address 13 major goals, including continuing mapping and monitoring, to safeguard reefs. The reports will be highlighted when the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meets on October 2-3, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.