Abstract

Most drivers of coastal ecosystem change are linked to a range of anthropogenic influences. Greater connections and inferences between observed changes in coastal ecosystem quality, and human and social parameters could be achieved if biophysical and social science disciplines work together at the inception of any monitoring program for effective coastal resource management. Progress towards integrated monitoring is improving globally via initiatives and programs. The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) developed a Socioeconomic Manual for Coral Reef Management designed to improve understanding of the social and economic conditions, contexts and motivations associated with coral reef use. GCRMN Global Socioeconomic Monitoring Initiative (SocMon and SEM Pasifika) partners use it to guide regional data collection efforts. GCRMN-Caribbean partners recently developed recommended coral reef monitoring guidelines for integrated, standardized ecological and socioeconom-ic data collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program has implemented a National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) for conducting sustained observations of biological, climatic, and socioeconom-ic indicators in U.S. states and territories. The social science component of NCRMP monitors a set of socioeconomic variables, including knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of coral reefs and their management. Development of a suite of indicators to track trends in population and socioeconomic structure, impacts of society on coral reefs, and impacts of coral health on communities is the aim. In this paper, we discuss current progress, challenges, and next steps of these different monitoring efforts. We suggest potential ways to improve integrated monitoring and research that benefits coastal resource management

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