Maui’s Coral Reefs
Coral Coverage in West Maui
For the sake of scope, let’s focus on the current state of Maui’s coral reefs. We will then highlight conservation efforts for the coral reef ecosystem and what individuals can do to mitigate the rapid changes affecting our reefs. According to ancient Hawaiian lore, the history of all life evolved from the coral polyp. Tiny coral polyps are the base organisms of an entire coral reef system, meaning Hawaiians have consistently recognized how vital corals are to the health of life on the planet.
Today, Hawaiian coral reefs are subject to various stressors. In particular, coral reefs in Lahaina, Maui, are declining due to multiple significant stressors: bleaching from rising ocean temperatures, sedimentation from coastal development, algal overgrowth from agricultural and waste runoff, fishing, and tourism. As a result, the Department of Land and Natural Resources estimates that Maui lost a quarter of its coral reefs between 1999 and 2006.
Popular Maui diving and snorkeling sites, such as Airport Beach in Kaanapali, experienced a 33 percent decrease in coral cover from 1995 to 2012. The coral reefs of West Maui’s famous Honolua Bay dropped a staggering 76 percent between 1995 and 2012!
Maalaea Bay in central Maui was the first example of a total coral reef collapse. The bay transformed from a healthy, diverse coral reef ecosystem to a degraded underwater desert in just a few decades. Fast-forward ten years, and we now see more coral reefs declining.
What will it take to save this valuable resource in the face of a growing island population? In 2002, the U.S. government estimated the value of coastal Hawaiian coral reefs at nearly $10 billion, with an average annual contribution of $364 million (Cesar and Beukering, 2004). This figure is likely much higher now, especially for Maui. Approximately 85 percent of this annual revenue is generated by tourism. However, fishing and surfing activities will follow suit if the reefs disappear. The loss of revenue on this scale would be catastrophic for the Maui economy and would cause permanent damage to the island’s best surf spots.
Coral Reefs Need Help Everywhere
It is no secret that the world’s coral reefs are vanishing at an alarming rate. Worldwide, coral reefs only cover 0.015 percent of the ocean floor—roughly the size of France! Despite occupying a minuscule fraction of the total seafloor, coral reefs support a staggering 25 percent of all marine life. That’s about 2 billion aquatic animals! Imagine 2 billion people relying on the landmass of France for survival.
Indeed, coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, provide humanity with critical economic resources and also protect coastlines from catastrophic weather events. Several predictions exist regarding when coral reefs worldwide may experience their final collapse. National Geographic estimates that most coral reefs could collapse by 2100, warning that this could happen even sooner if humanity does not significantly reduce carbon emissions. Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change, sea-level rise, and slow geopolitical responses make it crucial for dedicated individuals to work towards preserving what remains of these vital ecosystems.
Ocean Conservation in Hawaii
The prognosis for Hawaii and the rest of the world appears bleak; however, people are fighting against human impacts on the marine environment.
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7 Ways You Can Help Coral ReefsAs terrestrial species, humans are easily disconnected from the ocean environment and forget how essential it is to our existence on this planet. But you do not have to live near the ocean to protect it! If the collapse of coral reefs scares you, here is how you, as an individual, can help: 1. Increase your awareness about the effects of climate change on coral reefs!An excellent way to do this is to watch the powerful Netflix documentary Chasing Coral, download the Chasing Coral social media toolbox, and share it with everyone you can. 2. Limit your consumption of PLASTIC in FISH, and MEATYou can find important information on this topic by listening to the Eat for the Planet podcast. Search for an interview with Sea Shepherd founder Captain Paul Watson. 3. Host beach cleanups if you live by the oceanInvolvement in your local community is a no-brainer! 4. Donate to foundations for coral research, action, and legislationFollow these foundations on social media and research their positions. Reputable Foundations Include: 5. Vote with your moneyDon’t want to donate your hard-earned dough to science and conservation efforts. No problem! You can buy products that support sustainable oceans. Examples include: Waterlust – “A purpose-driven brand that creates media inspiration and sustainable products to support marine science research and education.” Manakai Swimwear – Eco-conscious swimwear made from repurposed nylon and discarded fishing nets. Raw Love Sunscreen – Maui-made, reef-friendly, 100 percent natural, 35 SPF. 6. Stay up to date with legislationSenator Corey Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and three members of the House of Representatives introduced the bipartisan Shark Fin Elimination Act of 2017. Please call your local Senators and Representatives to support the passage of future legislation like this. 7. Volunteer your time, participate in citizen scienceCitizen science is rapidly gaining traction as a method for everyday people like you and me to contribute to marine scientific research. Scuba divers, snorkelers, and water enthusiasts are encouraged to record and report unhealthy coral sitings such as bleaching, algae overgrowth, and disease. Citizen Science Projects Include: Earthdive is a novel citizen science concept and a global research project that engages millions of recreational scuba divers, snorkelers, and others to preserve the health and diversity of the oceans. Project AWARE focuses on critical issues and empowers thousands of divers in more than 182 countries to work together for a clean, healthy, and abundant ocean planet. ReefQuest—Founded by Dylan Vecchione at 18, ReefQuest is a nonprofit project that provides children with sufficient education and tools to become marine environmental stewards. It truly fosters marine ecological stewardship through citizen science. Final ThoughtMaui’s coral reef provides habitat for our preferred marine animals, so we should afford it strict protection. If you found any of this information enlightening or helpful, please SHARE our blog, talk about helping corals with friends, call your mom to tell her how much you want to save coral reefs, be creative, and put your passion into action!
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