Center for Human Health Risk

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NCCOS concentrates its work in four broadly defined ecosystems: coastal estuaries (including the subset of National Estuarine Research Reserves), coastal oceans (all ocean areas within 200 miles of the coastline—i.e., the Exclusive Economic Zone—that are not in one of the other categories), coral reef ecosystems, and National Marine Sanctuaries. Scientists at the Center for Human Health Risks in collaboration with partners in the NCCOS supported Hollings Marine Laboratory conduct research to better understand the processes occurring in these important and dynamic ecosystems.

Coastal Oceans

The coastal ocean encompasses a broad range of saltwater ecosystems, including estuaries, coral reefs, rocky shores, gravel shores, sandy shores, mud flats, marshes and mangrove forests. These ecosystems exist where streams and rivers meet the sea and where tides and coastal currents mix. CHHR scientists work with partners at Hollings Marine Laboratory and other institiutions and agencies to investigate how to maintain ecosystems at healthy and productive levels, explore human activities as part of coastal ecosystems and mitigate the effects of natural events on coastal ecosystems.  Learn more »

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are Earth's largest biological structures, consisting of millions of coral communities, each comprised of tiny interconnected corals. The U.S. has jurisdiction over coral reefs covering an estimated 7,607 square miles in the tropical-subtropical belt around the equator. These reefs are vital to fisheries production and coastal protection. Unfortunately, symptoms such as decreases in hard coral covers, proliferation of algae, increases in coral bleaching, and disease outbreaks indicate that almost 60% of the world's reefs and the resources they support are at risk. Learn more »

Estuaries

Estuaries are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on the planet. More than two thirds of the fish and shellfish we eat spend some part of their lives in estuaries. These ecosystems also provide many other important ecological functions; they act as filters for terrestrial pollutants and provide protection from flooding. There are 155 recognized estuaries in the contiguous United States.   Learn more »

National Estuarine Research Reserves

The National Estuarine Research Reserves System is a network of 27 areas representing different biogeographic regions of the United States that are protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education and coastal stewardship. Under a long-term agreement the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science conduct work in collaboration with the NERRS to address research and management questions important to the sites.  
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National Marine Sanctuaries

There are 13 designated national marine sanctuaries, which encompass deep ocean gardens, nearshore coral reefs, whale migration corridors, deep sea canyons, and even underwater archeological sites. While some activities are regulated or prohibited in sanctuaries to protect resources, multiple uses such as recreation, commercial fishing, and shipping, are encouraged.