The waves lap at the bow of the RV Cable as the vibrant underwater world of Cheeca Rocks, part of Florida's National Marine Sanctuary, begins to reveal itself. This stunning patch reef, only 20 minutes by boat from Islamorada, boasts a remarkable richness of marine life, but it's not just the scenery drawing attention; it is the relentless efforts of scientists from NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) aimed at evaluating and preserving the reef's health.
Since June, AOML had embarked on its longest fieldwork campaign to date, deploying the Benthic Ecosystem and Acidification Monitoring Systems (BEAMS) at this site, gathering invaluable data on the metabolic processes of the coral. These metrics, which measure the net community production and calcification of the reef, are instrumental for scientists to determine whether the marine ecosystem is growing or succumbing to erosion.
The Coral Program team, led by experts John Morris, Ph.D., and Heidi Hirsh, Ph.D., operated the BEAMS, which functions like a desktop computer but submerged underwater. It circulates seawater over sensors to monitor pH, oxygen levels, depth, and even water currents. Such devices are pivotal for assessing how external stressors like climate change are affecting the reef’s resilience.
Yet, the need for such extensive monitoring was sharply underscored by the events of summer 2023, when marine heatwaves wreaked havoc on reefs throughout Florida, leading to bleaching, disease, and widespread mortality among corals. At Cheeca Rocks, where vibrant coral beds once flourished, researchers found stark reminders of resilience and vulnerability: patches of healthy corals stood alongside ghostly white versions, victims of thermal stress.
But what makes this locale particularly interesting is its marked resilience compared to other reefs, raising questions about the underlying factors contributing to its stability. "Cheeca Rocks has shown greater resilience to these stressors,” said Morris, who is hopeful for insights from this year's research efforts. The protection against widespread bleaching observed this year could be attributed to episodic rainfall and storm activity, which gave coral communities much-needed thermal refugia.
Detrimental trends loom large over marine habitats worldwide, underscored by collective observations from scientific communities. The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has continuously warned of the increasing frequency and intensity of ocean climatic events. Indeed, NOAA's monitoring efforts at Cheeca Rocks seek to contribute to broader efforts to combat such challenges.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, another significant development has taken shape along California’s coastline. The recently designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary marks the first marine area led through partnership with Indigenous peoples. Spanning approximately 11,766 square kilometers, it joins the ranks of the largest national marine sanctuaries, focusing on conservation and responsible use of resources.
This sanctuary reflects collaborative efforts initiated by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council back in 2015, aiming to protect the ecological diversity of their ancestral waters. Given the pressures from climate change and various human activities, maintaining this sanctuary is imperative to safeguard marine life and habitats.
“This sanctuary conserves the area’s rich biodiversity and creates new opportunities for research and responsible recreation,” said NOAA’s John Armor, summarizing the mission behind this new landmark initiative.
The development of the sanctuary aligns with the principles of co-management, where the knowledge and traditional ecological practices of the Chumash communities play central roles. "We’ve been here for thousands of years and have always strived to protect these waters," stated Violet Sage Walker, Chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. Her sentiments echo the importance of Indigenous stewardship as America grapples with the realities of climate change and environmental degradation.
But the process wasn’t devoid of controversy. Some detractors criticized the level of consultation provided to local Indigenous communities, and there were concerns about sacrifices made concerning sanctuary boundaries to accommodate offshore wind development initiatives. Nonetheless, NOAA remains open to revisiting the sanctum's boundaries to bolster conservation efforts.
These sanctuary designations, alongside initiatives at Cheeca Rocks, reflect mounting efforts across America to confront marine challenges, pushing for research, conservation, and partnerships to defend and rejuvenate our natural marine environments. While each effort is fueled by the desire to combat global warming's dire consequences, they also symbolize hope – hope for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring future generations can cherish and benefit from these vibrant ecosystems.
Through observations, data collection, and community collaboration, researchers and Indigenous leaders alike are stepping up to the plate, working hard to wield their knowledge and resources responsibly to maintain the health of our oceans. From the waters of Cheeca Rocks to the expanse of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, there lies both challenge and promise, and without doubt, the commitment to marine conservation has never been more urgent.
The convergence of scientific inquiry and traditional ecological wisdom may well offer pathways to navigate the tumultuous waters of climate change and human impact, allowing us to protect these invaluable resources. Perhaps, now more than ever, it remains our collective responsibility to witness, learn, and act for the health of our oceans and all the life they nurture.
