hai – Page 12 – kawaihae reef

2022-09-032023-12-19

mimicry of finger coral to cauliflower coral

In the calm water of Kawaihae harbor, coral growth is different than in areas with more wave actions. At first glance, these coral colonies appear to be another species. They are similar to a cauliflower coral (Pocillopora meandrina)’s branching. But, these are finger corals (Porites compressa). Their branches can fuse.

finger coral Porites compressa — finger coral (*Porites compress*)

cauliflower coral Pocillopora meandrina and finger coral Porites compressa — cauliflower coral (*Pocillopora meandrina* )and finger coral (*Porites compress* )

2022-08-29

painted nudibranch laying eggs

2022-08-272022-08-27

keola sailboat’s grounding december 2020

keola aground kawaihae harbor dec 2020 — *Keola aground Kawaihae harbor Dec 2020*

The Keola sailboat went aground in late December 2020 due to strong winds. It was extricated fairly quickly that morning. I could not see and document the damage to the coral until a few days later, on December 28, 2020. This grounding is the fifth on this small reef.… Read more “keola sailboat’s grounding december 2020”