Epilithic algal turf refers to a diverse assemblage of crustose coralline algae and turf algae growing upon limestone. Turf algae refers to the multispecific and inconspicuous association of unicellular, and short (usually < 1 cm high), simple filamentous algae.

Definition: Those species primarily sought by the fishermen in a particular fishery, the subject of directed fishing effort in a fishery. There may be primary as well as secondary target species. Source: NOAA Fisheries Glossary. Blackhart K, Stanton DG, and Shimada AM. 2006.  US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administratio [..]

For additional guidance on determining what percentage of each habitat to protect, see Green et al. 2014, page 145.

The terms acclimatization and adaptation are often used synonymously but are not the same thing. Acclimatization refers to physiological changes whereas adaptation refers to genetic changes. Acclimatization Changes occurring within the lifetime of an individual organism Changes that result from chronic exposure to an environmental change and help [..]

Acclimatization refers to phenotypic changes by an organism to stresses in the natural environment that result in the readjustment of the organism’s tolerance.

For example, people with low adaptive capacity may have a harder time adapting to climate change.

The term disease causative agent usually refers to a living, biological organism that causes a disease.

Aragonite is a mineral form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that is often used by marine species to form skeletons and shells.

Examples of areas more resistant or resilient to climate change include: ecosystems that have resisted or recovered from damage (e.g. coral bleaching) in the past reefs where thermal history and projections indicate lack of exceedence of coral bleaching thresholds mangroves that have space to move inland with rising sea levels ecosystems that h [..]

Autotrophic organisms are organisms (e.g., plants, algae) that make their own food from their surroundings, such as through photosynthesis.