Marine Resources Assessment for the Marianas Operating ... - SPREP

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
Coordinate system—set of numbers used to assign a location in a given reference system (x and y in a
planar coordinate system and x, y, and z in a 3-D coordinate system); a pair of coordinates represents a
location on the earth’s surface relative to other locations
Copepods—very small planktonic crustaceans present in a wide variety and great abundance in marine
habitats, forming an important basis of ecosystems; they are a major food of many marine animals and
are the main link between phytoplankton and higher trophic levels
Coral boomies—coral outcroppings
Coral patches—rocky outcrops colonized by sessile organisms including hard coral, soft corals,
hydroids, algae, and sponges
Coral reef—a massive, wave-resistant structure built largely by colonial, stony coral via deposition of
calcium carbonate
Coral reef ecosystem (CRE)—those species, interactions, processes, habitats and resources of the
water column and substrate located within any waters less than or equal to 50 fathoms (100 m) in total
depth
Coral reef ecosystem management unit species (CRE MUS)—an extensive list of coral reef
organisms; includes some management unit species from existing fishery management plans (bottomfish,
crustaceans, precious corals) for which primary management would remain under their current fishery
management plans but ecosystem effects would be addressed by the CRE FMP. CRE MUS are listed
into two categories: CHCRT and PHCRT
Coralline algae—family of red algae (Corallinaceae) having bushy or encrusting form and deposits of
calcium carbonate either on branches or as crusts in the substrate
Cosmopolitan—having a broad, wide-ranging distribution
Countershading—a form of camouflage exhibited by many fish and cetaceans, with dark upper body
surfaces and lighter undersides. When viewed from above the darker dorsal surface blends in with the
water; from below the lighter ventral surface matches the light coming from the sky, making the animal
hard to see
Coverts—small feathers that cover the basis of other, usually larger, feathers and provide a smooth,
aerodynamic surface
Crepuscular⎯appearing or active at twilight
Crinoid⎯class of sessile echinoderms commonly called sea lilies and feather stars; these animals have
a cup-shaped body that attaches to the substratum by a stalk (sea lilies) and have feathery arms
Critical habitats—the portion (minimum) of the habitat that is essential for the survival of threatened and
endangered species and may include areas essential for feeding or reproduction by those species
Crust⎯the outer shell of the planet. It is composed of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock
Crustaceans⎯arthropods that have two pairs of antennae and a hard exoskeleton; lobster, shrimp, and
crabs are the most familiar examples
Crustose⎯having a thin crusty thallus that adheres closely to the surface on which it is growing
Cryptic—hidden; living in holes, caves, burrows
8-6