Researchers complete first comprehensive map of world's coral reefs

Why it matters: For scientists and conservationists, among others, the Allen Coral Atlas will be a resource to help monitor coral reefs, document habitat threats and disaster recovery efforts, and guide policy decisions such as fishing regulations, according to the press release.

• “Our biggest contribution in this achievement is that we have a uniform mapping of the entire coral reef biome,” Greg Asner, managing director of the Atlas and director of Arizona State University’s Center for Global Discovery and Conservation, told AP.
• Asner added that researchers relied on information about local reefs from hundreds of field contributors that helped the team target their satellite imagery.
• The atlas also includes coral bleaching detection tool launched earlier this year that helps track coral reef health and the effects of climate change, per Mongabay.
• Officials from 14 countries are already working with the researchers to use the atlas maps to plan 48 new marine projects, according to the press release.

What they're saying: “[T]he true value of the work will come when coral conservationists are able to better protect coral reefs based on the high-resolution maps and monitoring system,” Asner said.

• “We must double down and use this tool as we work to save coral reefs from the impacts of our climate crisis and other threats," he added.