VITAL RESEARCH HELPS UNDERSTAND AND PROTECT CORAL REEFS
Coral reefs support more marine life than any other ocean ecosystem, and are a favorite haunt for many divers. In addition to being physically and biologically spectacular, coral reefs also support the livelihoods of more than half a billion people. Funded by Mitsubishi Corporation, volunteers have examined the health and diversity of coral reefs of these islands. Research goals were to determine the conservation status of reefs in the region, identify key threats to them, and identify conservation management actions that could be implemented to protect this important resource for future generations.