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Anthropogenic and natural stresses on coral reefs in Hawaii: a multi-decade synthesis of impact and recovery from 1973 to 2002 (NCEI Accession 0001063)

Metadata Updated: February 1, 2025

In 2002, quantitative photo-transect surveys documenting coral community structure off six coastal sites in Hawaii were repeated to complete longterm data sets of 12 to 30 years duration. Study sites included areas fronting resort development, active and inactive sewage outfalls, and an area where there is no anthropogenic activity, but has been subjected to a variety of storm events. At the only site within a semi-enclosed embayment erosion from surrounding pineapple fields resulted in a decrease in living coral. Such periodic sedimentation in the Bay drives a cycle of damage and recovery that results in coral community structure different than other sheltered embayments in Hawaii. At the other five sites, located in open coastal waters, coral community structure was not adversely affected by shoreline development or discharge of treated sewage effluent. Long-term studies of pristine reefs under natural stress from episodic storms indicate that recovery along the successional continuum varies with time in the different reef zones.

The results of these studies provide a framework for effective and efficient coral reef management in Hawaii. Understanding patterns of natural and man-induced stress and recovery can provide a good model for management strategies, as anthropogenic impacts are superimposed over natural stresses. Our results provide good evidence that management efforts should be concentrated in embayments and areas with restricted circulation. Because such areas comprise less than 10% of the coastal areas, it is concluded that the overall condition of coral reefs in Hawaii is good, and should remain so. While concerns of catastrophic loss from anthropogenic impact to coral reefs are valid in some areas of the world, they do not accurately depict the overall health of coral reefs in Hawaii.

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License: No license information was provided. If this work was prepared by an officer or employee of the United States government as part of that person's official duties it is considered a U.S. Government Work.

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Dates

Metadata Date 2024-08-21T23:24:13Z
Metadata Created Date December 4, 2020
Metadata Updated Date February 1, 2025
Reference Date(s) June 18, 2003 (publication)
Frequency Of Update asNeeded

Metadata Source

Harvested from NOAA/NESDIS/ncei/accessions

Graphic Preview

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Additional Metadata

Resource Type Dataset
Metadata Date 2024-08-21T23:24:13Z
Metadata Created Date December 4, 2020
Metadata Updated Date February 1, 2025
Reference Date(s) June 18, 2003 (publication)
Responsible Party (Point of Contact)
Contact Email
Guid gov.noaa.nodc:0001063
Access Constraints Cite as: Dollar, Steven J.; UH Mānoa (2003). Anthropogenic and natural stresses on coral reefs in Hawaii: a multi-decade synthesis of impact and recovery from 1973 to 2002 (NCEI Accession 0001063). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0001063. Accessed [date]., Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Bbox East Long -155.5
Bbox North Lat 22.22
Bbox South Lat 19.48
Bbox West Long -155.95
Coupled Resource
Frequency Of Update asNeeded
Graphic Preview Description Preview graphic
Graphic Preview File https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/gfx?id=gov.noaa.nodc:0001063
Graphic Preview Type PNG
Harvest Object Id ec0ad870-7083-4c98-bd85-55882952d57c
Harvest Source Id c084a438-6f6b-470d-93e0-16aeddb9f513
Harvest Source Title NOAA/NESDIS/ncei/accessions
Licence accessLevel: Public
Lineage
Metadata Language eng
Metadata Type geospatial
Old Spatial {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[-155.95, 19.48], [-155.5, 19.48], [-155.5, 22.22], [-155.95, 22.22], [-155.95, 19.48]]]}
Progress completed
Spatial Data Service Type
Spatial Reference System
Spatial Harvester True
Temporal Extent Begin 1973-01-01
Temporal Extent End 2002-12-31

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