Shipwreck Habitat and Biodiversity

view of the wreck of uss monitor under water. a diver is swimming near by — A wide variety of fish and invertebrate species are known to live on and around the wreck of the USS *Monitor*. Photos: NOAA

Conservation Issue

Ecological data must be collected within Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS) to better understand the site's biological resources and the role of the USS Monitor as a habitat.

Description

MNMS was established due to the significance of the USS Monitor as a historical resource, and the majority of research that has been conducted has focused on that resource and its significance. However, the shipwreck also provides habitat for a diverse ecological community. Strategy RM-2 and Strategy RM-3 of the Resource Monitoring Action Plan section of the MNMS management plan highlight a need to collect new ecological data on the shipwreck and establish a long-term monitoring system for MNMS and its surrounding waters. This information can be used to compare natural and artificial habitat structures, identify changes over time, drive research needs, and enhance management actions.

fish swimming over the wreck of the uss monitor — In addition to direct, detrimental effects on the USS *Monitor*, climate change impacts such as ocean acidification have the potential to affect and alter biological communities that live on the shipwreck. Photo: NOAA

Data and Analysis Needs

Major habitat types found throughout MNMS
Biological communities found living on and around the USS Monitor
Biodiversity associated with natural and artificial habitats within MNMS and how they might be changing due to various pressures

Potential Products

Scientific papers and reports on topics such as habitat distribution
Maps of habitats
Extensive list of flora and fauna located within MNMS
Communication and outreach materials aimed at stakeholder and community member audiences that focus on shipwreck habitat biodiversity

For more information about this assessment, contact monitor@noaa.gov.