Acropora spp. Distribution/Density Database and GIS Mapping
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Staghorn
coral (Acropora
cervicornis) thicket. NOAA
photograph by Andy Bruckner |
Acropora spp. are branching corals typically found in shallow
water on reefs throughout
the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean. Two
species found in the Atlantic/Caribbean region,
Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), and Elkhorn coral (A.
palmata), are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species
Act (ESA). Elkhorn
and Staghorn coral are typically found on coral reefs in southern
Florida, the Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. They
were the dominant species throughout the Caribbean and
on the Florida reef tract, forming extensive, densely-aggregated
stands. SSC Pacific scientists are developing a
database of Staghorn and Elkhorn coral distribution documentation
and known/extrapolated population distribution/density GIS
maps (see example below) derived from source data, scanned
source maps, source information, and information adapted from
published maps to
establish a general baseline of habitat locations and conditions for use
by Navy National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planners and
natural resource managers in developing operational guidelines
and protective measures.
Applications:
- Natural resource management
- NEPA, ESA compliance support
- Range sustainment
Capabilities:
 
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