wildlife inventory and issues affecting kawaihae coral reef
Update 11.17.2022. Water visibility is still murky. Floating debris is mostly dissipated. The sediment of small and large branches, other organic material and goat pellets are still visible at hightide lines. Heavier branches and organic materials settled on the bottom along the shore soon after the runoffs are still there. We do not know what government agencies are responsible for the beach cleanup.… Read more “sediment runoff events 10.5 and 10.6.2022”
Recent flash flood from rain storm on April 18, 2017, added more sediment to Pelekane Bay and eroded its beach. The bay width is reduced from 1/4 to 1/3.
… Read more “4.18.2017 Flash flood left more sediment and eroded beach at Pelekane Bay”
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”