#United States #Fort Lauderdale #NOAA #Nova Southeastern University #National Coral Reef Institute

NSU Named As The Coordination Hub for Coral Reef Research in the Atlantic

Fort Lauderdale, Florida - In a groundbreaking announcement, Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) has been appointed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the Atlantic Reef Research Coordination Institute. This prestigious designation not only acknowledges NSU's leadership in coral reef research but also significantly boosts funding for crucial coral research initiatives across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The selection of NCRI was the result of a competitive evaluation among leading research institutions within the Atlantic region. NSU has consistently demonstrated its capability and commitment to coral reef conservation, making it an apt choice for this critical role. The institute is composed of a multidisciplinary team of coral reef researchers dedicated to understanding and addressing the pressing challenges facing the world's coral ecosystems.

Dr. Harry K. Moon, President and Chief Executive Officer of NSU, remarked, “This designation positions NSU as a national leader in coral reef research and restoration. We are excited to collaborate with our partners to enhance ocean health and support the blue economy.” This designation reaffirms NSU's position as a pivotal player in preserving and rejuvenating Florida's Coral Reef, the only barrier reef found in the continental United States.

Led by Executive Director Dr. Joana Figueiredo, the NCRI team aims to deploy additional federal funding towards three urgent research areas over the coming year: water quality, invasive species, and coral propagation. These focuses are essential to sustaining Florida's Coral Reef and its counterparts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Our team is honored to lead the Atlantic Reef Research Coordination Institute,” Figueiredo stated. “This selection is a testament to our research quality and our capability to manage collaborative projects across multiple institutions in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.” The institute's ultimate goal is to advance science-based management practices that support NOAA's National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy.

The establishment of the Coral Reef Research Coordination Institutes stems from the federal Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2022. This act mandated NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program to designate two such institutes, one in the Atlantic and another in the Pacific, following a competitive review process involving 32 coral reef research centers. The NCRI at NSU will perform critical functions such as:

• - Conducting federally directed research to address national and regional gaps in coral reef knowledge.
• - Collaborating with relevant state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other entities.
• - Supporting the implementation of the National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy and associated action plans.
• - Enhancing local capacity for effective management and restoration practices.
• - Delivering public education and awareness programs to promote coral reef conservation.

NSU also expects further details on the federal funding allocation in the months to come.

For additional information, you can explore the NSU National Coral Reef Institute website and NOAA's Coral Reef Research Centers here.

About Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is recognized as the largest private research university in Florida. With a strong economic impact projected at over $6.7 billion, NSU is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation, indicating the highest level of research activity among universities.