wildlife inventory and issues affecting kawaihae coral reef
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.
Kawaihae Reef inner harbor condition as seen in May 2014. The August 17, 2015, flash flood in this area covered the entire inner harbor reef with silt. A major global bleaching event had just begun for the Kawaihae Reef when the runoff smothered it. Normally, corals in the protected harbor were very healthy and dense, in contrast to those outside the break wall.… Read more “Status of Kawaihae Reef inner harbor 9.4.2016”