Integrated water quality and coastal groundwater monitoring to assess nutrient impacts to coral reef health
This study investigated the relationship between nutrients, groundwater and coral health in two coastal resort communities, Kūki‘o in North Kona and Pau‘oa Bay in South Kohala. The findings indicate land use practices that effect submarine groundwater nutrient loading can influence the condition of nearshore coral reefs.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Coastal
- Groundwater
Introduction
This technical report examines the relationship between land use, groundwater quality and coral reef health along the West Hawaiʻi coast. Conducted by The Nature Conservancy, NOAA, the University of Hawaiʻi and partner organizations, the study focused on Pauʻoa Bay in South Kohala and Kūkiʻo in North Kona. Researchers combined groundwater monitoring, nutrient analysis, isotope tracing, salinity and temperature measurements, coral health surveys, ocean current monitoring and nutrient modeling to identify sources of nutrient pollution reaching nearshore reefs. Results showed that submarine groundwater discharge delivers nutrients from land to coastal waters, where elevated nutrient concentrations are associated with reduced coral recruitment, increased disease, greater coral–algal competition and lower reef recovery potential. Evidence suggests fertilizers and landscape management practices may contribute to nutrient loading at some locations. The study demonstrates how groundwater serves as a direct connection between upland land use and coral reef ecosystems and highlights the importance of managing nutrient inputs to protect Hawaiʻi’s nearshore marine resources.
Suggested Citation
Falinski, K., Wiegner, T., Couch, C., Colbert, S., Goldberg, S., Gove, J., Panelo, J., Abaya, L., Kauahi, C., Wiggins, C., Most, R., & Conklin, E. 2019. Integrated water quality and coastal groundwater monitoring to assess nutrient impacts to coral reef health. The Nature Conservancy. Honolulu, HI. 90 pp.
TNC Authors
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Kim Falinski
Coastal and Estuarine Scientist, Hawai‘i
The Nature Conservancy
Email: kim.falinski@tnc.org -
Eric Conklin
Marine Science Director, Hawai‘i and Palmyra
The Nature Conservancy
Email: econklin@tnc.org