Current coral reef research projects on Maui
Last updated Nov. 4, 1999
- Coral Reef
Assessment and Monitoring Program
- Molokini baseline survey
- Saving Maui's reefs
- Molokini indicator species survey
Do you know of any ongoing research that is not on this list? Please let me know at Tissot@Hawaii.edu. Mahalo!
| Principal investigator:
Paul L. Jokiel, Hawai‘i
Institute of Marine Biology See
the CRAMP website for
more information
Sponsor: Hawai'i
Coral Reef Initiative Research Program |
 |
| CRAMP is a
state-wide monitoring program that uses a standardized protocol to
document spatial
variability and temporal change in coral cover at
selected sites. Additional components such as algal cover,
patterns in fish density and biomass will be sampled to
elucidate relationships between these various factors over
space and time. These results will be integrated with past and
future projects to provide a clearer consensus on historical
trends for management.
Sites surveyed: Molokini,
Ahihi Kinau, Honolua, Kaupo, Keonehelelei, Windmills, Maalaea,
Puamana, Olowalu
Status:
ongoing since 1998 |
| Principal investigators: Dr. Brian Tissot
& Dr. Leon Hallacher, UH Hilo; Dr. Bob Nishimoto, Skippy Hau & Brent Carmen, DAR, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources,
Hilo. Research associates: Petra Berlisson-Friedman, Ku'ulei Rodgers, Rachael
Shakelford, William Smith, students at UH Manoa
Sponsor: Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Main Hawaiian Islands Marine
Resource Investigations project. |
 |
| The study is designed to provide baseline information on coral cover and
health on Molokini Inlet, one of the most popular and pristine Marine Life Conservation
Districts in Hawai'i. Data is collected on transects arranged at 3 locations within the
crater: the west, east and middle areas of the crater. At each location three 50 m
transects are sampled at 15, 40 and 60 foot depths by taking photoquadrats at 36 random
positions along the transect. Photographs are analyzed by positioning 50 random dots over
each image and recording the substrate type. This method is accurate, unbiased, highly
repeatable, and statistically powerful, in addition to providing a permanent archive of
information. Surveys are conducted at 6 month intervals in September and March. Status:
1996-1998 (taken over by CRAMP above) |
| Principal investigator: Eric Brown, Pacific
Whale Foundation Research associates:
Earthwatch volunteers (changes every year)
Sponsor: Pacific Whale Foundation & Earthwatch |
|
| Earthwatch volunteers explore reef areas along the Maui shoreline and
compare the abundance and diversity of fish and coral species. Teams collect the majority
of their data while SCUBA diving (two times a day) at relatively shallow depths (less than
20 m). Two-person dive teams swim along 50 meter transect and document fish and coral
species and abundance every 5 meters. The sites surveyed are: Honokowai, Honolua Bay,
Kahekili Park, Lahaina Shores, Makena-Maui Prince, Olowalu, Puamana, Wailea-5 Graves. Status:
1989-1998 (see Final
Report) |
| Principal investigators: Dr. Ernest Reese, UH Manoa
& Dr. Michael Crosby, NOAA Research associates:
Sponsor: NOAA |
|
| Status:
ongoing since
1992 |
|
