August 20, 2008

Research in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Research and monitoring are critical to achieving the Sanctuary’s primary goal of resource protection. The Keys’ ecosystem is diverse and complex, and many of its processes and their interrelationships are not well understood. Also, while many resource impacts are obvious and severe, they are often not documented or quantified, and their causes may be even less clear or completely unknown. The purpose of research and monitoring is to establish a baseline of information on the resource and the various components of the ecosystem, and how they interact. In this way, research and monitoring can ensure the effective implementation of management strategies using the best available scientific information.

The following table lists some of the major research and monitoring projects that have taken place in the Sanctuary as of December, 1999. Research projects change frequently, so for more detailed information, contact the FKNMS Research Coordinator at (305)743-2437 ext. 25.

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Study Focus	Researcher
Ecosystem Focus - changes in structure and function	Dr. John Ogden, FIO
Water Quality Monitoring	Dr. Ron Jones, FIU, Dr. Bill Kruczinski, USEPA
Coral/Hardbottom Monitoring	Walt Jaap, Dr. Jim Porter, Dr. Phil Dustan
Seagrass Monitoring	Dr. Jim Fourqurean & Dr. Jay Zieman
Reef Fish Monitoring	Dr. Jim Bohnsack, NMFS
Lobster Monitoring	Dr. John Hunt, FMRI
Conch Monitoring	Bob Glazer, FMRI
Rapid Ecological Assessment	Dr. Steven Miller, NURC
Human Activities Assessment	Dr. Bob Leeworthy, NOAA
Sentinel Fisheries Program	Doug Gregory, CES/SeaGrant
"Sea Stewards"	Dr. Brian Keller, TNC
"Reef Check"	Alex Stone, Reef Keeper International
R.E.E.F. Fish Surveys/Great American Fish Count	Laddie Akins, R.E.E.F.
Rapid Biotic Assessment Team	Dr. Erich Mueller, Mote Marine/PKMRC
DOC | NOAA | NOS | ONMS | Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

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