Eyes of the Reef Network
Under the pressure of increasing populations, coastal development and global warming, Hawai`i’s fragile reef ecosystems are threatened with increasing levels of coral bleaching, disease & Crown-of-Thorn Sea Star outbreaks.The Eyes of the Reef Network was developed to increase public awareness and engage stakeholders in the monitoring and reporting of coral bleaching and disease. The network is the first tier of a rapid response protocol developed by the Division of Aquatic Resources and the Climate Change and Marine Disease Local Action Strategy. The program is coordinated by Dr. Greta Smith-Aeby, and implemented through the non-profit, community based, volunteer coral reef monitoring organization, Reef Check Hawai`i. It is important that ocean users who regularly visit coral reefs be trained to identify and report coral bleaching, disease and crown of thorn sea star (COTS) outbreaks. Without these initial sightings by the local “eyes” of our reefs, such occurrences may go unnoticed by scientists and resource managers. Join the island-wide association of community volunteers, businesses, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and governmental agencies who dive, surf, fish and play amidst Hawai`i's coral reefs and report upon their health. To make a report download a reporting form, or call (808) 953-4044. Please submit your report via email to: contact@reefcheckhawaii.org, or via mail to:
Reef Check Hawai`i P.O. Box 621 4224 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816
Coral Bleaching
Reef corals contain symbiotic, single celled algae, or zooxanthellae, that provide over 90% of a coral’s food & energy. Coral bleaching, which is the loss of symbiotic zooxanthellae from the coral polyp, may lead to reduced growth, reproduction or even death. Coral bleaching may occur in response to stressors such as changes in salinity, light or temperature. Mass bleaching events, however, are usually associated with increased sea surface temperatures that are sustained beyond the optimal temperature range. To report coral bleaching please download a reporting form, or call (808) 953-4044.
Coral Disease
Unfortunately, coral disease is showing up more and more freguently on Hawai`i’s reefs. Local researchers have identified at least 17 coral diseases on Hawaiian reefs with widespread, relatively low prevalence. Although disease is a natural part of the coral reef ecosystem, human stressors including global climate change, land-based pollution, sedimentation, overfishing & recreational damage may be weaken reef ecosystems and cause corals to become more susceptible to disease. Please help us keep an eye out for these diseases, commonly seen in the Main Hawaiian Islands. To report an incidence or outbreak of disease please download a reporting form, or call (808) 953-4044.
Crown-of-Thorn Sea Stars (COTS)
Although these starfish are a natural part of the Hawaiian ecosystem, they are voracious corallivores. If their populations explode beyond normal, these sea stars can cause significant coral mortality. Studies suggest that human impacts including excessive nutrient input and polluted runoff may contribute to their proliferation. It is important to regularly monitor the number of Crown-of-Thorn Sea Stars. To report an outbreak of COTS please download a reporting form, or call (808) 953-4044.
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