Status of coral reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago

Brainard, Russell; Friedlander, Alan; Gulko, David; Hunter, Cynthia; Kelty, Ruth; Maragos, James

Coral reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago stretch over 2,000 km and comprise over 80% of U.S. coral reefs. The Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) are populated, high, volcanic islands with non-structural reef communities and fringing reefs abutting the shore, and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) with mostly uninhabited atolls and banks contain most (65%) of U.S. reefs. There are major differences in anthropogenic impacts: the MHI have extensive urban developments and associated runoff; over-fishing for food and marine ornamentals; invasions by alien species; and accumulation of marine debris. The NWHI coral reefs suffer minor damage from marine debris and the impacts from lobster and bottom fisheries, but concerns exist over current and proposed ecotourism activities and new fisheries. Increased U.S. Federal funding in 2001 and 2002 supported mapping, monitoring, research, and management initiatives. Digital habitat maps were completed for 60% of the MHI and will be available in January 2003. The Hawaii Coral Reef Institute received over US$1 million in 2002 for coral reef research and monitoring to assist in the management of Hawaii’s coral reefs. There have been surveys for the spread and control of invasive algae, assessments of the impact of stepping or anchoring on corals, and monitoring of water quality and the harvest of aquarium fish on reefs in the NWHI. The National Coral Reef Monitoring program developed on-line databases for field data entry and tracking research progress. Monitoring data were published in the first National Report on the Status and Health of U.S. Coral Reef Ecosystems. Capacity in Hawaii to manage coral reefs and fisheries was expanded, and an economic evaluation of coral reefs completed in 2002. An Environmental Characterization of the Ahupua`a of Waianae, Hawaii, assembled information on terrestrial and marine resources, land-use patterns, traditional Hawaiian land and resource management concepts, and land cover data to identify potential stresses to coral reefs and how to mitigate them. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve was established to conserve the coral reefs and related marine resources. Progress is encouraging on: sanctuary designation and operations; research, mapping and monitoring; and marine debris removal. Draft benthic habitat maps were completed for 9 of 10 areas and bathymetry determined for all areas. A detailed atlas of the NWHI, will be available in January 2003. A database was developed of abandoned vessels on coral reefs, standardised protocols for managing vessel groundings, and a removal plan for problem vessels, along with a spill response guide focusing on oil and sea turtles.

Status of coral reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago

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