NOAA Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program: From Science to Management: Improving Management of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems in the U.S. Caribbean. Proposals due September 28, 2011.

NOAA Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program: From Science to Management: Improving Management of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems in the U.S. Caribbean

NOAA's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (NOAA/CSCOR) is soliciting proposals under the Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program: From Science to Management for a project to synthesize existing information on mesophotic coral ecosystems within the U.S. Caribbean, describe linkages to resource management responsibilities, analyze both known and potential threats to MCEs, and develop viable options for managing them, as well as identify gaps in information for future research.  This information will be used to improve the ability of resource managers to proactively develop strategies to protect poorly understood mesophotic coral ecosystems, including coastal and marine spatial planning and the siting of marine protected areas and marine protected area networks for shallow and mesophotic coral ecosystems.  One to two projects are expected to be supported for up to 3 years for projects focused solely on Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands; or one project of up to 3 years in duration a U.S. Caribbean-wide project (excluding Navassa Island).  Full proposals are due September 28, 2011.  Learn more.