The Moloka‘i coral reef today, and alternatives for the future: Summary in The coral reef of south Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i—Portrait of a sediment-threatened fringing reef

Scientific Investigations Report 2015-5123
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Abstract

From the contributions collected in this publication have emerged two important observations that have significance locally, nationally, and internationally. First, the fringing coral reef along the south coast of Moloka'i is one of the most extensive and luxuriant reefs in the eight main Hawaiian Islands. It is longer and more continuous and has denser coral cover than reefs at any of the other islands—this alone makes it a state and national treasure worthy of study and protection. The second observation is more sobering: sections of the south Moloka'i reef have been damaged in the past by sedimentation ultimately caused by human activities in adjacent watersheds. Although some of those activities are no longer taking place, their lingering effects are still being felt in the form of excess sediment runoff. We here review the basis for each of these observations, discuss how sedimentation affects the reef, and summarize the choices that are faced by the people of Moloka'i and the State of Hawai'i with regard to the reef’s future.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The Moloka‘i coral reef today, and alternatives for the future: Summary in The coral reef of south Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i—Portrait of a sediment-threatened fringing reef
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2015-5123
DOI 10.3133/sir20155123
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 4 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Title The coral reef of south Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i—Portrait of a sediment-threatened fringing reef (Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5101)
First page 167
Last page 170
Country United States
State Hawai‘i
County Moloka‘i
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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