Antler Coral Damage and Recovery at Dolphin Pier 2

On May 18, 2025, USACE surveyed the dolphin piers at Kawaihae Harbor ( see here). They used a small boat that allowed personnel to access those piers. An antler coral, Pocillopora grandis, colony was seen damaged soon afterward.  The two events may be connected. 

Antler Coral Piece Before 3.28.2025 Antler Coral Piece After 7.22.2025

Antler Coral piece 03182025 Antler Coral piece 07312025

Antler Coral Damage and Recovery @ Pier 2

The most intact broken piece was retrieved and replaced securely without adhesive. I do not have the skill or the qualification to replant a coral piece with adhesive. I placed it where it has minimal chance of being disturbed by wave action. 

Within four months, new growth appears all over this piece. Some new nodes or knobs have grown noticeably by a few centimeters. 


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