In a new study published in the Marine Ecology Progress Series, scientists have used Landsat 7 data to assess coral reef productivity and calcification in Florida’s northern reef tract (northeast of the Florida Keys). Landsat data were used to evaluate the distribution and spatial extent of five reef habitats in the area. Then, by coupling the habitat information with recently published in situ (ground-based) measurements, the researchers were able to estimate habitat productivity and calcification rates. These estimates suggest that the reefs are vulnerable to ocean acidification.

Article reference: 
Moses CS, Andréfouët S, Kranenburg CJ, Muller-Karger FE (2009). Regional estimates of reef carbonate dynamics and productivity using Landsat 7 ETM+, and potential impacts from ocean acidification. Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 380, pp. 103-115.