Coral Reef Ecosystem
Webinars

View a collection of archived webinars on coral reef ecosystems, the impact of climate change on reefs, reef restoration, and much more.

A plant is illuminated blue in the deep water of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

Coral Forensics in the Deep Flower Garden Banks

Like all marine animals, corals leave behind genetic traces in their environment. Scientists refer to these genetic traces as environmental DNA or eDNA. Similar to forensics, marine biologists can sequence this eDNA to determine what animals have passed through an area, or are nearby but not easily seen. Learn how Luke McCartin sequences eDNA to better understand the corals that live in the deepest waters of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, even when he can't see them!

Two pieces of coral, one light pink and one sandy-colored, lie on a table.

Reconstructing the Flower Garden Banks from the Inside Out

Who knew, that hidden beneath the beautiful reefs we know and love, lay ancient reefs of a different nature? In 2006-2007, while conducting annual long-term monitoring activities at the Flower Garden Banks, researchers discovered remnants of a fossil reef comprised of elkhorn and staghorn corals, species almost non-existent on our reefs today. This discovery has dramatically altered our understanding of reef development at the Flower Garden Banks and the response of coral communities to changing climate through time.

A summary poster of a webinar meeting

Inspire your students to dive in as coral scientists-in-training! Introducing the Coral Check-up Lesson Series

Dive in and learn about the newly released Coral Coral Check-up Lesson Series. This free, NGSS-aligned curriculum introduces middle school students to coral reef monitoring and ecology through virtual real world experiences focused in the Hawaiian archipelago. Students use NOAA and NOAA partner data and resources to assess coral bleaching impacts, immersing themselves in a worldwide effort to protect and conserve coral reefs. Our goal is for students to come to view themselves as reef stewards, budding scientists, and active agents for change.

Diver working under water close to coral reefs

Discovering Climate History in Coral Skeletons

The skeletons of massive corals grow in layers, similar to tree rings, that can be counted to determine the years of growth. Scientists can look at the chemistry of each of these layers to see what the water temperature was when that part of the coral skeleton was growing, as well as other indicators of environmental conditions. By stringing together these yearly skeletal records, scientists can chronicle how the ocean and the coral reef have changed over time.

Woman looking at camera holding a specie

Sex Lives of Corals: From Spawning to Conservation

Corals exhibit some of the most fascinating reproductive behavior in the animal kingdom. Once a year they release their eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization. This life history strategy allows corals, which are usually stuck in one place, to disperse to new reefs. This spawning behavior also allows coral researchers to study a variety of different research topics to better understand coral symbiosis, dispersal, and responses to climate change.

left to right: Dr. Dan Polhemus, coral reef and aerial of an island

The World Does Not Stand Still - Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change in Papahānaumokuākea

Current and future impacts from climate change are considered to be the single greatest threat to the long-term integrity of Papahānaumokuākea. The effects of climate change are already being observed.

small coral outplants growing on a reef in Looe Key

Mission: Iconic Reefs, An Ambitious Plan to Restore 7 Sites in the Florida Keys

Over the last 40 years, coral reefs in the Florida Keys, like reefs worldwide, have suffered dramatic declines. Nearly 90 percent of the live corals that once dominated the reefs have been lost. Emergency action is required to change the trajectory of the health of coral reefs in the Keys.

deepsea coral

Estimating Coral Feeding Habits from Space

Reef-building corals rely on a symbiosis with microscopic algae for much of their energetic needs. Rising ocean temperatures threaten this symbiosis and can cause it to break down in a process known as coral bleaching, which is one of the primary threats to the persistence of coral reef ecosystems globally.

left to right: Dr. Dan Polhemus, coral reef and aerial of an island

How NASA Satellites Help Protect the Coral Reefs of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

An extensive outbreak of a newly identified algae, Chondria tumulosa, threatens the survival of the coral reefs at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes) with the potential to spread to nearby atolls in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

3d models of coral reefs

3D Modeling Coral Reefs: How Data Science Helps Us Better Understand Coral Reef Ecosystems

Coral reefs are both culturally and economically important, yet these ecosystems still remain poorly understood. Join Dr. John Burns to learn how the Multiscale Environmental Graphical Analysis Lab uses cutting-edge 3D technology to map reefs in high-resolution.

A diver working to restore coral

Gardening Corals for Reef Restoration

As coral reefs decline globally, interest in using coral gardening techniques for reef restoration is increasing. This webinar presentation will review well-established and cutting-edge techniques for propagating and restoring corals, as well as experimental work focused on identifying corals that can survive future ocean conditions.

10 year status cover

How are we doing? 10 Years of Status and Trends of Resources in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument recently conducted an assessment of 10 years of status and trends of living resources, habitats, ocean conditions, maritime and cultural archaeological resources, and the human activities and natural events that affect them. Jonathan Martinez, Ph.D, the lead editor and author of several sections, will present findings from the report across all resource areas with an emphasis on assessments for coral reef ecosystems during this talk.

before and after photos of a bleaching event

What is Coral Bleaching?

Coral bleaching is one of the side effects of an increasingly warmer ocean. Episodes of coral bleaching are happening more regularly and with greater severity as the years progress.

A fish with a though bubble

Flower Garden Bank Webinar Recordings

These are webinar recordings of presentations hosted by NOAA staff about the coral reef ecosystem of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico.