wildlife inventory and issues affecting kawaihae coral reef
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.
The most intact broken piece was retrieved and replaced securely without adhesive.… Read more “Antler Coral Damage and Recovery at Dolphin Pier 2”
We confirm that preparatory work for the harbor’s future development/improvement has begun. In September 2024, AECOM flew its drones to do aerial surveys of the coral flats as part of the state-wide photometry survey for sea level rise modeling. Yesterday, a ground survey crew was in the area. They were surveying the areas encompassed in the planned improvements and, likely, a new pier proposed in the HI Commercial Harbors Masterplan 2035 for Kawaihae Harbor.… Read more “Survey work at harbor beach 3.18.2025”
The visibility of the water on the Kawaihae Reef outside the harbor was exceptional on March 06, 2025. After months of winter swells, there was a lull in the surf, and the water cleared up. I went for a snorkel tour in the inviting water. Green sea turtles were observed traversing and feeding within a short time, sometimes in pairs.… Read more “green sea turtles 2025”