The Allen Coral Atlas
The Allen Coral Atlas is an online platform that uses high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced analytics to map and monitor the world’s coral reefs. The primary goal of the Atlas is to support the conservation and reef management efforts of stakeholders including scientists, researchers, policymakers, conservation organizations, and anyone with an interest in coral reefs.
Features include:
- Global reef habitat maps including benthic and geomorphic information
- A Bleaching Monitoring system based on both sea surface temperature and whitening of coral visible from satellites
- Turbidity sources and distribution
- Marine protected area boundaries
- Maritime Boundaries
Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Allen Coral Atlas data sets and methods.
The platform’s detailed maps allow users to explore specific areas and assess the current condition of reefs. Users can monitor changes in coral cover, bleaching events, and other ecological indicators over time. This information can be crucial for assessing the health and resilience of coral reefs, identifying areas in need of conservation interventions, and tracking the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Use case example:
Michael is a reef manager in Palawan in the Philippines. It is his job to monitor the health of the coral reefs in his jurisdiction. Limited resources, however, make this task difficult. Trying to map and assess the coral reefs with accuracy seemed almost impossible, until he discovered the Allen Coral Atlas.
The satellite imagery provided by the Atlas made it possible for Michael to create a baseline assessment of the coral reefs' health and allowed him to track environmental changes over time. This allowed Michael to notice the important role that water quality was playing in the death of coral reefs, particularly close to the river and the small town where many people lived. Consulting with government experts, Michael was able to participate in solutions such as reducing erosion by planting mangroves.