Changes in the Marine Habitat and Biota of Pelekane Bay, Hawaii over a 20-Year Period
Tissot B. 1998. Changes in the Marine Habitat and Biota of Pelekane Bay, Hawaii over a 20-Year Period
This study involved quantitative sampling of three 50 foot transects on patch reefs in Pelekane Bay in 1996. A list of species and relative abundance of all species was compiled for all habitats within the bay. The study found a striking decrease in abundance of all plants and animals, associated with major changes in species diversity and composition since 1976 surveys. Tissot attributes the changes to long-term sedimentation stress due to chronic terrestrial runoff and reduced ocean circulation in Pelekane Bay associated with massive historical deforestation in Kawaihae watershed and construction of kawaihae Harbor revetment.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Tissot, Brian
- Date of Issue
- 1998-03-01
- Units
- PUHE
- Keywords
- Coral, Diversity, Species Composition