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Coral Reef and Water Quality Surveys of the Keōmuku Reef Tract, Lānaʻi

Report

Hawaii

Publication date: September 20, 2022

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This study assessed the benthic (coral) and reef fish assemblages on the east coast of Lānaʻi, between Halulu and Waiʻōpae Gulches, and gathered information on water quality and sediment to examine relationships between terrestrial inputs and coral reef condition. The findings provide baseline conditions for the reef and can inform terrestrial restoration activities seeking to address sediment impacts.

Subject Tags

  • Reefs
  • Fisheries
  • Ecosystem management

Introduction

veys completed in 2021 examined coral cover, reef fish communities, sediment composition, turbidity, water quality, and coral bleaching across 129 survey sites. Findings show that shallow reef habitats are heavily affected by sedimentation and turf algae, resulting in low coral cover, reduced fish biomass, and elevated bleaching rates. In contrast, deeper reef areas support exceptionally high coral cover and diverse coral communities, among the highest recorded in Hawaiʻi. The study identified significant impacts from land-based sediment runoff, particularly near gulches and coastal watersheds, where turbidity and sediment accumulation frequently exceeded thresholds associated with coral stress. Fish surveys documented 112 taxa and suggested moderate fishing pressure despite the area's relative remoteness. The report provides critical baseline data for long-term monitoring, watershed restoration, erosion reduction efforts, marine resource management, and implementation of Hawaiʻi's Holomua Marine 30x30 Initiative.

Suggested Citation

Minton, D., Falinski, K., Carr, R., Lynch, H., Rose, J., Stark, T., Wirt, J., & Conklin, E. 2022. Coral Reef and Water Quality Surveys of the Keōmuku Reef Tract, Lānaʻi. The Nature Conservancy. Honolulu, HI. 101 pp.

TNC Authors

  • Kim Falinski
    Coastal and Estuarine Scientist, Hawai‘i
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: kim.falinski@tnc.org

  • Ryan Carr
    Marine Monitoring Manager, Hawai‘i
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: rcarr@tnc.org

  • Harry Lynch
    Marine Field Operations Manager
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: hlynch@tnc.org

  • Julia Rose
    Coral Restoration Program Manager
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: julia.rose@tnc.org

TNC Authors

  • Tiara Stark
    Maui Marine Project Manager
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: tiara.stark@tnc.org

  • Eric Conklin
    Marine Science Director, Hawai‘i and Palmyra
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: econklin@tnc.org