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Ukumehame Reef Assessment

Report

Hawaii

Publication date: January 19, 2024

File format: PDF

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This survey of benthic and reef fish assemblages along the Ukumehame reef tract in West Maui fills a data gap on the condition of the resources. This report presents the findings within the broader context of the Olowalu area and West Maui Region.

Subject Tags

  • Reefs
  • Coastal
  • Fisheries

Introduction

The Ukumehame Reef Assessment 2022–2023 presents a comprehensive evaluation of coral reef ecosystems along the Ukumehame Reef Tract in West Maui, Hawaiʻi. Conducted by The Nature Conservancy, the study surveyed 72 reef sites to document coral cover, benthic community composition, reef fish abundance, biomass, habitat complexity, and coral bleaching. Results showed that algal turf and coral were the dominant benthic components, with average coral cover of approximately 27% and greater coral abundance at deeper reef sites. Key coral species included Montipora capitata, Montipora patula, Porites lobata, and Porites compressa. Coral bleaching was observed at most surveyed sites, affecting roughly 9% of coral tissue overall and occurring most frequently in deeper coral assemblages. Fish surveys documented 102 species representing 25 families, with surgeonfish contributing the largest share of total fish biomass. Resource fish biomass was lower than many protected Maui reefs, suggesting potential fishing pressure and habitat-related limitations. The report also compares Ukumehame with the neighboring Olowalu reef system and highlights the influence of sedimentation, watershed conditions, and coastal processes on reef health. Findings provide essential baseline data to support reef restoration, fisheries management, conservation planning, and long-term ecological monitoring across West Maui.

Suggested Citation

Minton, D., Carr, R., Falinski, K., Lynch, H., Sampson, N., Stark, T., Rose, J., Fielding, E., & Conklin E. 2024. Ukumehame Reef Assessment 2022-2023. The Nature Conservancy. Honolulu, HI. 40 pp.

TNC Authors

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

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

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

  • Nalei Sampson
    The Nature Conservancy
    Maui Marine Coordinator, Hawai‘i
    Email: nalei.sampson@tnc.org

TNC Authors

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

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

  • Emily Fielding
    Marine Program Director, Hawai‘i
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: efielding@tnc.org

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