Baseline Biological Surveys of the Coral Reefs of ‘Āhihi‐Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve, Maui, Hawaii
These benthic and reef fish surveys of ‘Āhihi‐Kīna‘u Reserve update and extend the existing body of coral reef information on the Reserve. The results provide a current baseline condition to assess the effectiveness of management actions implemented in accordance with the Reserve’s Management Plan.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Coastal
- Fisheries
Introduction
This technical report summarizes comprehensive baseline biological surveys of coral reef ecosystems within and adjacent to the ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve on the south coast of Maui, Hawai‘i. Conducted by The Nature Conservancy and partners in December 2014, the study assessed coral communities, reef fish populations, benthic habitat composition and overall reef condition across 55 randomly selected survey sites. Findings indicate that reefs inside the protected reserve generally had higher coral cover, greater fish biomass, more fish species and healthier habitat conditions than reefs outside the reserve boundary. The dominant coral species was Porites lobata, and fish assemblages showed benefits associated with protection from harvesting. However, fish biomass remained lower than expected for a fully protected area, suggesting continuing pressures such as illegal fishing activity. The report also discusses invasive fish species, habitat quality, coral bleaching risks, climate change impacts and management challenges. Recommendations emphasize improved enforcement, reef resilience, fisheries management and water-quality protection to sustain the reserve's unique marine ecosystem
Suggested Citation
Minton, D., Amimoto, R., Caldwell, Z., Fujitani, K., Nakagawa-Castro, L., Pollock, K., Silva, R., Stone, K., Stubbs, B., & Conklin, E. 2016. Baseline Biological Surveys of the Coral Reefs of ‘Āhihi‐Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve, Maui, Hawaii. The Nature Conservancy. Honolulu, HI. 45 pp.
TNC Authors
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Zach Caldwell
Global Dive Safety Officer
The Nature Conservancy
Email: zcaldwell@tnc.org -
Kydd Pollock
Pelagic Conservation Strategy Lead
The Nature Conservancy
Email: kydd.pollock@tnc.org -
Eric Conklin
Marine Science Director, Hawai‘i and Palmyra
The Nature Conservancy
Email: econklin@tnc.org