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National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (CCMA)
Weekly Report – April 16, 2008
CCMA Research Quantifies Chemical Contaminants in Southwest Puerto Rico to Enhance Management of Coral Reefs
The research presented in an article in the March 2008 issue of Marine Pollution Bulletin is part of a larger Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment effort to link chemical contamination with coral condition, in order to help resource managers preserve and restore these valuable ecosystems. The article, “Chemical contamination in southwest Puerto Rico: An assessment of organic contaminants in nearshore sediments,” presents the results of a study which indicated somewhat elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, (typically associated with the use and combustion of fossil fuels) adjacent to coral reefs and near the town of La Parguera, with even higher concentrations in Guanica Bay at the eastern end of the study area. Within Guanica Bay, concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT in the sediments were at toxicologically relevant levels, and appear related to past industrial and agricultural activity in the watershed. Additional analyses are currently being carried out to quantify contaminants in coral tissues. For additional information, contact Tony Pait at (301) 713-3028 x158 or Tony.Pait@noaa.gov.
CCMA Mapping Tool Provides Access to Chemical and Biological Assessment Data for Download, Analysis, and Visualization to Facilitate Coastal Management
The Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment and Special Projects Office recently completed a data mapping and download tool for the National Status and Trends (NS&T) Bioeffects Program that allows users to query, visualize, and download sediment chemistry, toxicity, and biodiversity data from 17 estuaries studied using consistent field and laboratory methods to assess estuary condition. These studies represent approximately 50% of the Bioeffects Studies conducted since the program began in 1986. In addition, a suite of map layers is provided to assist users in visualizing data in the context of management and ecosystem boundaries, including National Estuarine Research Reserves, National Marine Sanctuaries, National Parks, NOAA Fisheries Management Zones, National Wildlife Refuges, and USGS 8-digit watershed boundaries. Four additional estuary studies are scheduled to be uploaded by the end of FY2008, and historical studies will follow in 2009. The tool can be accessed at: http://egisws01.nos.noaa.gov/website/nsandt/ba. For more information, contact Ed Johnson at (301) 713-3028 x149, Ed.Johnson@noaa.gov, or Percy Pacheco at (301) 713-3000 x155 or Percy.Pacheco@noaa.gov [02M00018] (CCMA)