Honokoa Reef Assessment
The Nature Conservancy conducted comprehensive reef surveys at Honokoa Reef, Hawaiʻi Island, in 2022 to establish baseline ecological conditions. Researchers assessed coral cover, reef fish abundance, biomass, benthic habitats, bleaching impacts, and sediment-related stressors associated with Honokoa Gulch, providing data to support long-term monitoring, watershed restoration, and community-based marine management.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Coastal
- Fisheries
Introduction
The Honokoa Reef Assessment presents findings from a comprehensive coral reef monitoring program conducted by The Nature Conservancy in 2022 along the Honokoa Reef tract on the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island. Surveys at 47 reef sites documented benthic habitat condition, coral cover, reef fish abundance, biomass, bleaching prevalence, and environmental factors affecting reef resilience. Results showed reefs dominated by turf algae and unusually high levels of crustose coralline algae, with coral cover averaging approximately 15% and increasing with depth. Researchers observed evidence of sediment inputs near Honokoa Gulch and Kawaihae Harbor, including dark sediments and woody debris that may influence reef condition. The study recorded 109 fish species from 24 families, with surgeonfishes contributing the largest share of total fish biomass. Resource fish comprised over half of total biomass, while invasive fishes were present at roughly one-third of survey sites. Long-term monitoring data indicate partial coral recovery following the severe 2015 bleaching event, particularly at deeper reef locations. The assessment establishes an important ecological baseline to guide future watershed restoration, reef management, conservation planning, and community stewardship efforts in North Kohala.
Citation
Suggested Citation: Minton, D., Carr, R., Lynch, H., Walsh, C., & Conklin, E. 2024. Honokoa Reef Assessment 2022. The Nature Conservancy. Honolulu, HI. 27 pp.
TNC Authors
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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 -
Cecile Walsh
Marine Conservation Project Manager
The Nature Conservancy
Email: cecile.walsh@tnc.org -
Eric Conklin
Marine Science Director, Hawai‘i and Palmyra
The Nature Conservancy
Email: econklin@tnc.org