#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

13. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE
HAWAIIAN ARCHIPELAGO
RUSSELL BRAINARD, ALAN FRIEDLANDER, DAVID GULKO,
CYNTHIA HUNTER, RUTH KELTY AND JAMES MARAGOS
ABSTRACT
Coral reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago stretch over 2,000km and comprise over 80% of
U.S. coral reefs. The Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) are populated, high, volcanic islands
with non-structural reef communities and fringing reefs abutting the shore, and the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) with mostly uninhabited atolls and banks
containing most (65%) of U.S. reefs. There are major differences in anthropogenic
impacts: the MHI have extensive urban developments and associated runoff; over-fishing
for food and marine ornamentals; invasions by alien species; and accumulation of marine
debris. The NWHI coral reefs suffer minor damage from marine debris and the impacts from
lobster and bottom fisheries, but concerns exist over current and proposed ecotourism activities
and new fisheries.
Increased U.S. Federal funding in 2001 and 2002 supported mapping, monitoring,
research, and management initiatives. Digital habitat maps were completed for 60% of the
MHI and will be available in January 2003. The Hawaii Coral Reef Institute received over
US$1 million in 2002 for coral reef research and monitoring to assist in the management
of Hawaii’s coral reefs. There have been surveys for the spread and control of invasive
algae, assessments of the impact of stepping or anchoring on corals, and monitoring of
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