Exploring collaborative opportunities for coral reef projects at the 49th USCRTF Meeting
December 6, 2024
The 49th U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) Meeting held on the week of Nov. 11 highlighted ongoing efforts across the nation geared towards the resilience of coral reefs, all while convening in one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems: the Mariana Islands.
Held in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), participants engaged in conversations and strategic planning sessions to address issues that plague coral reefs, such as invasive species, warming ocean temperatures, and climate change effects.
Jessica Wong, a science communications and education ORISE fellow with the U.S. Geological Survey and PI-CASC, represented our organization to explore collaborative opportunities and research avenues with scientists, natural resource managers, and other staff at the meeting. Wong is also an active member of the USCRTF Communications Working Group and was instrumental in the creation of the group’s outreach brochure detailing coral reefs in the Marianas. Wong worked with local experts in Saipan and the Guam Coral Reef Initiative to produce information on cultural significance, coral volume, marine threats, and restoration activities.
“Through engagement and relationship-building with people and partners in the USAPI, we can look for avenues to increase climate science support, tools, communications, education, and opportunities for future partnerships or collaborations,” Wong said.
One key highlight at the event was CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios signing an executive order to recognize coral reefs as “critical natural infrastructure.” With this designation, coral reefs will now be integrated into the CNMI’s disaster preparedness, recovery, and mitigation plans. This action serves as an example of how policies can advance nature-based solutions that protect coastal communities from storms and floods, while also conserving and restoring natural and marine resources.
A webpage dedicated to coral reef ecosystems in Marianas and created by the USCRTF Communications Working Group can be visited here. As a supplemental resource, PI-CASC has also compiled resources on coral bleaching in the Pacific Islands to aid reef management.