Johnston Atoll Ocean Science Study
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS: The "Johnston Atoll Ocean Science Study" is a long-term marine biological investigation of an isolated tropical reef ecosystem in the North Central Pacific Ocean. The scientific research program is a required component of the Department of Defense mission at Johnston Atoll. This work is supported primarily by the U.S. Army Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization, U.S. Air Force Pacific Command, and the Defense Special Weapons Agency. This study provides environmental and oceanographic analyses which are important considerations in environmental assessment, natural resources management and military operation plans. The research program includes time-series measurement (i.e. monitoring) of key indicator species and selected physical environmental variables. Monitoring includes measurements for determining natural physical environmental cycles and coincident fluctuations in fishes and other reef animal populations and the spawning patterns of selected indicator species. The research aims to distinguish between anthropogenic affects versus natural variability of the marine ecosystem when evaluating changes in the abundance and distribution of key indicator species. OBJECTIVES: The objective is to understand the natural physical and biological processes affecting the biota of this isolated atoll. This objective is fundamental to evaluating possible adverse environmental impacts caused by pollution or disturbances from military activities on Johnston Island. The purpose of this program is to provide the scientific database which can be applied to issues of environmental impact and natural resources management for this Department of Defense installation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA619118
Entities
People
- Phillip S. Lobel
Organizations
- Boston University