What Does 100% Coral Cover Look Like?

By AIC guest blogger, Don Hess,  Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at the College of the Marshall Islands, and AIC Affiliate Point of Contact for the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Coral reef at Namdrik Atoll. Credit: Dean Jacobson

Community-based management is a key component in conservation in the Marshall Islands.  An action plan and field guide was developed called, “Reimaanlok,” which in Marshallese means “looking forward.”  As part of the management plan, a marine resource survey was necessary to establish potential places for conservation areas and to create a baseline for corals, fish, and invertebrates.

In November 2013, the College of the Marshall Islands and the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority teamed up with the Pacific Marine Resources Institute to conduct a survey on Namdrik Atoll. A video was produced by Dr. Dean Jacobson that shows some of the areas surveyed.

So, what does 100% coral cover look like? Watch the video and see for yourself. This beautiful atoll has many areas that have 100% coral cover.

To learn more about the Republic of the Marshall Islands, their coral reefs, and projects going on to help protect them, visit the AIC’s website and check out the Marshall Islands page.

At Namdrik Atoll. Credit: Dean Jacobson

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