RESEARCH PRODUCT

Understanding the spatial patterns in environmental conditions and coral reef resilience is central to climate-informed reef management. Numerous environmental drivers contribute to overall reef health and survival. This tool was developed to identify areas of reefs with the most favorable environmental conditions for coral growth and survival under multiple climate scenarios in Guam and American Samoa.

Data is presented in GIS layers to show the spatial patterns in environmental favorability and resilient coral reefs, including: favorability of managed and non-managed environmental conditions, overall environmental favorability, and coral monitoring sectors from the NOAA National Coral Reef Monitoring Program.

This information could be combined with an understanding of where coral are already demonstrating resilience to reef managers in determining where resilience-based management strategies could be suitable now and in the future.