Research Interests

UH Conservation Biology, Geography, and Ocean Policy faculty member focusing primarily on nearshore marine and tropical ecosystems in Hawaii, the insular Pacific, and Southeast Asia. He has served as senior coral reef biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's tropical Pacific region since 1999. Previously he served as Senior Fellow at the East West Center (1990-99), Director for Conservation Science for The Nature Conservancy Pacific Region (1991-93), Chief of the Environmental Resources Branch for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division (1975-90), and Assistant Marine Biologist at the UH (1973-75). His dissertation research concentrated on assessing anthropogenic stress to coral reefs, primarily in Kaneohe Bay (Hawaii) and Pago Pago Harbor (American Samoa) during 1968-72, and expanded similar research intersts to many other coral reef areas in the Pacific and Southeast Asia during the past three decades. His current research interests include 1) assessment and monitoring of coral reefs at remote Pacific National Wildlife Refuges, 2) improving the basis for managing coral reefs through participatory coastal resource management, 3) applying environmental impact and risk assessment principles and techniques for sustainable development in coastal areas, 4) rapid ecological assessments and strategic planning for marine protected areas, 5) building awareness and capacity for conservation within resource managers and local communities through education and training, 6) assessing the biogeography and diversity of central Pacific corals, and 7) implementing and evaluating restoration techniques for coral reefs.

Selected Publications

Maragos, J and D Gulko (eds). 2002. Coral reef ecosystems of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: Interim results emphasizing 2000-1 surveys. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of Land and Natural Resources, Honolulu, Hawaii, 50 pp.

Gleason, MJ, J Maragos, and L de Jesus, 2001. Managing impacts of development in the coastal zone. Philippine Coastal Management Guidebook Series No 7. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Interior, Local Government, and Coastal Resources Management Project of DENR. Cebu City, Phillipines, 108 pp.

Price, ARG and JE Maragos, 2000. The Marshall Islands. Chaps 104, In: Seas at the Millennium: an Environmental Evaluation. CRC Shepard (ed). Pergamon Press-Elsevier Science, Oxford, pp 773-789.

Maragos, JE, 2000. Hawaiian Islands (USA), Chap. 105, ibid., pp 791-812.

Gulko D, J Maragos, A Friedlander, C Hunter, and R Brainard 2000. Status of coral reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago. In: Status of Coral Reefs of the World, C. Wilkinson (ed), Australian Institute of marine Science, Cape Ferguson, Queensland, Australia, pp 219-238

Birkeland, CE, P Craig, G Davis, A Edward, Y Golbuu, J Higgins, J Gutierrez, N Idechong, J Maragos, K Miller, G Paulay, R Richmond, A Tafileichig, and D Turgeon. 2000. Status of coral reefs of American Samoa and Micronesia: US-affiliated and Freely Associated Islands of the Pacific. Ibid. 199-217.

Maragos, J, and R Brainard. 2000. Status of remote coral reefs in the US Pacific. Ibid. 223-4.

Maragos, JE and R Grober-Dunsmore (eds). 1999. Proceedings of the Hawaii Coral Reef Monitoring Workshop, June 9-11, 1998, Honolulu, Hawaii. East-West Center, Honolulu, 334 pp.

Eldredge, LG, JE Maragos, PF Holthus, and HF Takeuchi, 1999. Marine and coastal biodiversity in the tropical island Pacific region: Population, development, and conservation priorities. East-West Center, and Pacific Science Association, Honolulu, 455 pp.

Maragos, J E, 1998. Marine Ecosystems, in: Atlas of Hawaii, J. Juvik et al. (eds). University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, pp 111-120.

Walters, J S, J Maragos, S Siar, and A T White, 1998. Participatory Coastal Resource Assessment: A Handbook for Community Workers and Coastal Resources Managers. Coastal Resources Management Project and Siliman University, Philippines, 102 pp.

Maragos, J E and C Payri, 1997. The status of coral reef habitats in the insular south and east Pacific. Proc 8th Int Coral Reef Sym 1:307-316.

Maragos, J E, M P Crosby, and J W McManus, 1996. Coral reefs and biodiversity: a critical and threatened relationship. Oceanography 9(1):83-99.

Bryant, D, L Burke, J McManus, M Spalding and Contributing Authors (incl. J. Maragos). 1998. Reefs at Risk: A Map-Based Indicator of Threats to the World's Coral Reefs. World Resources Institute (WRI), International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and United Nations Environment Programme. New York (WRI), 56 pp.

Maragos, J E and C W Cook, 1995. The 1991-1992 rapid ecological assessment of Palau's coral reefs. Coral Reefs (1995)14:237-252

Maragos, J E, M N A Peterson, L G Eldredge, J E Bardach, and H F Takeuchi, (eds) 1995. Marine and Coastal Biodiversity in the Island Pacific Region vol I: Species Systematics and Information Management Priorities. East-West Center, Honolulu. 424 pp

Maragos, J E, 1993. Impact of coastal construction on coral reefs in the U.S. - affiliated Pacific islands. Coastal Management 21:235-269.

Maragos, J E, 1992. Restoring coral reefs with emphasis on Pacific reefs, in: Restoring the Nation's Marine Environment, G W Thayer (ed). Maryland Sea Grant College Publication UM-SG-TS-92-06. College Park, Maryland, pp 141-221.

Carpenter R A and J E Maragos, 1989. How to Assess Environmental Impacts in Tropical Island and Coastal Areas. Environment and Policy Institute, East-West Center, Honolulu, 345 pp