Inventory and Assessment of Anchialine Pool Habitats in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, 2007-2009
Marrack L and Beavers S. 2011. Inventory and Assessment of Anchialine Pool Habitats in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, 2007-2009. Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Summary data from anchialine pool inventory survey 2007-2008 in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. We documented over 180 pools within Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park federal lands. Pools were documented spatially with GPS, photographed, tagged, and inventoried for ecological parameters. An MS Access database was developed to manage long-term monitoring data. Data collected include pool size, substrate, associated flora and fauna (daytime), and physical parameters of water. Pools with rocky substrate and little to no associated vegetation made up 41% of pool habitat. The remaining pools had sediment substrate, tree canopy, and/or were associated with wetlands. Vegetation (as canopy, emergent, and/or peripheral species) was present at 77% of pools and was predominantly non-native. Endemic anchialine pool fauna including the shrimp Halocaridina rubra and Metabateaus lohena, the orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly Megalagrion xanthomelas, and the mollusk Theodoxis cariosus were observed. H. rubra was present in 61% of pools and fish were found in 20% of pools, 11% of all pools contained non-native fish. Mean salinity of pools was 15 PSU; individual pool salinity ranged from 8.9 to 29.5 PSU. Pool salinity decreased with distance from shore. Waters were slightly stratified with depth with fresher water on the surface. Surface and bottom salinity varied with tidal stage. Prior studies back to 1972 were examined for data and cross-referenced to compare and contrast the results of research in identifiable pools over time. Salinity has apparently increased in these pools since 1974. The Park may represent one of the few remaining areas on the West Coast of Hawai‘i with intact anchialine pool habitats. Management actions should include continued monitoring of Park pool habitats, working with stakeholders to protect pools within the Park, as well as research to determine species-specific habitat requirements within anchialine ecosystems.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Marrack, Lisa; Beavers, Sallie
- Date of Issue
- 2011-11
- Units
- KAHO
- Keywords
- anchialine pool, Hawaii
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Hydrology | Groundwater Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Water | Hydrology | Surface Water Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Water Chemistry , Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Algae , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic animals , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Freshwater Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | At-risk Biota | T&E Species and Communities