NOAA Fisheries is investigating whether nine species of stony coral in Hawaiçi and dozens more in Pacific and Caribbean waters warrant protection from ocean warming and acidification, coastal development, reef fishing, invasive species and other threats.

The agency announced in today’s Federal Register that it is taking the action in response to evidence presented in a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity seeking status for the corals under the Endangered Species Act and designation of critical habitat.
The 82 species include nine from five coral families in Hawaiçi: Acroporidae, Agariciidae, Poritidae, Faviidae and Siderastreidae.
As part of the status review, NOAA Fisheries is seeking scientific and commercial information on the species, with comments due April 12.
More information is available online from the Federal Register at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/.