Assessing tsunami damage to coral reefs

The tsunami of 26 December 2004 and repeated smaller though highly destructive tsunamis since then have presented a new challenge for coral reef assessment.

Under the banner of the International Coral Reef Initiative and the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, a compilation of existing methods was conducted to assist teams assessing the immediate damage from tsunamis. This tsunami impact assessment protocol will allow comparisons of data at the local, national and regional levels.  It is intended for use by people with experience in coral reef monitoring or underwater observation (e.g. scientists, experienced dive operations and volunteer divers) to contribute to disaster assessments of the tsunami and thereby contribute to responses to the disaster in the countries affected.

Your involvement will contribute significantly to understanding the impacts of the tsunami and monitoring the recovery of reef communities afterwards.

Tsunami impact assessment protocol (pdf, 1.8 Mb)

Sample datasheets (Microsoft excel, 80 kb)

For further guidance on applying and adapting the methods, contact coordinators listed in the document, or regional experts and agencies working on coral reefs, and the links below:

http://www.unep-wcmc.org/latenews/emergency/tsunami_2004/coral_ass.htm