PACN Inventory Marine Vertebrate Species Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Kalaupapa NHP, Puukohola Heiau NHS, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP
Beets J, Brown E, Friedlander A. PACN Inventory Marine Vertebrate Species Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Kalaupapa NHP, Puukohola Heiau NHS, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP. 2005. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Marine vertebrates were investigated at four national parks in Hawai‘i in 2005; Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA) - island of Moloka‘i; Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE), Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (KAHO), Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (PUHO) - island of Hawai‘i. In addition to an inventory of marine vertebrate species, fish-habitat utilization patterns of marine fishes were examined within each park. A total of 178 marine fish species were observed in the marine waters adjacent to all four parks, including 48 endemic species (27% of the total). Although the greatest number of marine fish species was observed for KAHO, the greatest density and biomass of marine fishes were observed at KALA. The highest average values per sample for assemblage characteristics (species richness, density, biomass, diversity) were observed for KALA which is characterized by large (up to three meters in diameter) volcanic rock boulders with high habitat complexity and low (<10%) coral cover. PUHO and KAHO had sequentially lower fish assemblage characteristic values and the habitat consisted of smaller volcanic rock boulders with higher coral cover. PUHE had the lowest assemblage characteristic values observed and most dissimilar species composition, due to a greater proportion of sand and degraded habitats. KAHO and PUHO had the most similar species compositions observed. Marine turtles, particularly the threatened green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), were commonly observed in KAHO and PUHO, and also observed in KALA. Dolphins and whales were commonly observed in park and adjacent waters. The endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) was documented at KALA and has been observed at the other three parks.
- Type
- Project
- Authors
- Beets, Jim; Brown, Eric; Friedlander, Alan
- Publisher
- Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Units
- KAHO , KALA , PACN , PUHE , PUHO
- Keywords
- Abundance (Biodiversity), Baseline Inventory, Distribution (Biodiversity), Fish, Hawaii, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Marine Fish, Marine fishes, Marine Freshwater Inventory Report, Marine Mammals, marine turtles, marine vertebrates, Molokai, Monitoring, Observations, Pacific Island Network, Presence (Biodiversity), Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Puukohola Heiau Nationa Historic Site, Reptiles, West Hawaii