Pacific Islands Regional Action Plan

Jeffrey Polovina and Kurt Dreflak (Chairs), J. Baker, S. Bloom, S. Brooke, V. Chan, S. Ellgen, D. Golden, J. Hospital, K. Van Houtan, S. Kolinski, B. Lumsden, K. Maison, M. Mansker, T. Oliver, S. Spalding, P. Woodworth-Jefcoats
Posted on: 12/29/2016 - Updated on: 3/06/2020

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Alex Score

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Abstract

WHAT:  The PIRAP was developed to increase the production, delivery, and use of climate-related information required to fulfill the NOAA Fisheries mission in the region. The PIRAP identifies priority needs and specific actions to implement the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy in the region over the next three to five years.

WHERE:  The Pacific Islands Region spans a large geographic area including the North and South Pacific subtropical gyres and the archipelagic waters of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) and the US Pacific remote island areas (PRIAs).

WHY:  The Pacific Islands region supports a wide variety of ecologically and economically important species and habitats from coral reefs to pelagic fish stocks. Climate-related changes in the region include a rise in ocean temperatures, reduced nutrients in the euphotic zone, an increase in ocean acidity, a rise in sea level, and changes in ocean currents. Many of these changes have already been observed and are projected to increase further. These changes will directly and indirectly impact insular and pelagic ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them. Decision-makers need actionable information on how changing climate will impact this region’s marine resources, and what can be done to reduce impacts and increase resilience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Please contact Phoebe Woodworth-Jefcoats (phoebe.woodworth-jefcoats@noaa.gov) or LCDR Kurt Dreflak ([email protected]).

Citation

Lovett, H.B., S.B. Snider, K.R. Gore, R.C. Muñoz, Editors. 2016. Gulf of Mexico Regional Action Plan to Implement the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-699. 40 p.

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NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product.

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is the research arm of NOAA Fisheries in the region.

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is the federal agency, a division of the Department of Commerce, responsible for the stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and their habitat. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for the management, conservation and protection of living marine resources within the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (water three to 200 mile offshore).

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