NOAA Fisheries Designates Critical Habitat for Five Corals in U.S. Waters in the Pacific Islands

If you had to describe corals in one word, what would it be? Maybe "colorful," "amazing," or "vibrant" come to mind?

One word that definitely suits them is "powerhouse." Corals do a lot for the ocean-and for us. They provide coastal protection for communities, habitat for fish, millions of dollars in recreation and tourism, and the list goes on.

But sometimes even powerhouses struggle.

There are five reef-building coral species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in U.S. waters in the Pacific Islands:

NOAA Fisheries is designating critical habitat for these natural treasures, to conserve them for generations to come.

The final critical habitat designations cover approximately 92 square miles in 18 areas across the U.S. Pacific Islands. These areas contain the right conditions for corals to reproduce, spread, settle, and mature-conditions that are essential for their survival and long-term recovery. They include:

• American Samoa: Ofu-Olosega, Swains Island*, Tutuila*, Ta`u*, and Rose Atoll*
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands : Rota, Aguijan, Tinian, Saipan, Alamagan, Pagan, Asuncion*, Maug Islands*, and Uracas*
• Guam
• Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: Lalo (French Frigate Shoals)*
• Pacific Remote Islands Area: Palmyra and Johnston atolls*

* Areas are located in an existing marine national monument and/or sanctuary.

Demystifying Critical Habitat

The coral critical habitat designations do not create marine reserves or closed areas. And they do not include harbors, navigation channels, other managed areas (like boat ramps), or artificial substrates (like seawalls).

"We encourage fishermen, divers, swimmers, and other area users to continue to enjoy these areas responsibly," said Dawn Golden, Assistant Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office. "And we look forward to collaborating with federal agencies on their relevant actions."

Under the Endangered Species Act, federal agencies must ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat. Federal agencies are already required to consult with NOAA Fisheries on actions that may affect the listed corals.

Right-Sized Protections

Critical habitat designations can be large or small depending on the species. Our goal is to designate critical habitat through smart assessments incorporating the best available science and public input.

"Our local communities and agency partners have tremendous knowledge of area resources. Thanks to their input and provided information, we decreased the net critical habitat designations by approximately 6 square miles," Golden said.

Read more details about the critical habitat designations