Coral Reefs: Vulnerability to Climate Change in West Hawai’i
March 22, 2019
A discussion on the critical importance of coral reefs to the communities and environment of West Hawaii featuring one of the state’s longest contiguous coral reefs.
The west coast of the island of Hawai‘i (West Hawai‘i) is a unique habitat known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. West Hawai‘i contains one of the state’s longest contiguous coral reefs, supporting an abundance of corals and fish, of which nearly a quarter are only found in Hawai‘i. Coral reefs are of critical importance to the communities and environment of West Hawai‘i. Reefs in this area are home to culturally significant species, used for recreational and commercial fishing, and provide economic benefits.
Maynard J, Gove J, Tracey D, Johnson J, Lecky J, Conklin E, van Hooidonk R, Donovan M, Hospital J, Kleiber D et al.. 2019. Coral reefs: vulnerability to climate change in west Hawai?i. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, PIFSC Special Publication, SP-19-002, 8 p. https://doi.org/10.25923/5d9q-pv87.