From the contributions collected in this publication have emerged two important observations that have significance locally, nationally, and internationally. First, the fringing coral reef along the south coast of Moloka'i is one of the most extensive and luxuriant reefs in the eight main Hawaiian Islands. It is longer and more continuous and has denser coral cover than reefs at any of the other islands—this alone makes it a state and national treasure worthy of study and protection. The second observation is more sobering: sections of the south Moloka'i reef have been damaged in the past by sedimentation ultimately caused by human activities in adjacent watersheds. Although some of those activities are no longer taking place, their lingering effects are still being felt in the form of excess sediment runoff. We here review the basis for each of these observations, discuss how sedimentation affects the reef, and summarize the choices that are faced by the people of Moloka'i and the State of Hawai'i with regard to the reef’s future.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Title | The Moloka‘i coral reef today, and alternatives for the future: Summary in The coral reef of south Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i—Portrait of a sediment-threatened fringing reef |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20155123 |
| Authors | Michael E. Field, Susan A. Cochran, Joshua B. Logan, Curt D. Storlazzi |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Series Title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series Number | 2015-5123 |
| Index ID | sir20155123 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center |
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Susan A Cochran
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