[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1nIQvnSEp2FAb2ro44WRdLkMl30I&w=640&h=480]
The water visibility on 2017.08.20 was fairly good even for the mouth of the Kawaihae South Small Boat Harbor , KSSBH. This area as evident on the Google map above is often plagued with sediment. The coral recovery here is similar to inside of the harbor along the break wall, about 10-15% recovered. The sight of more fish at this location than north of KSSBH along the break wall is surprising. The relationship of sediment and health of coral and fish at this location deserves careful study to understand and dispel the common notion that sediment in water column equates to unhealthy coral or fish population. This are is also spared from spear fishing due to murky condition and perhaps fear of sharks.
Click Icons for images of coral recovery and fish video in the map above.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Htg0i773kUA]
wildlife inventory and issues affecting kawaihae coral reef