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CRAMP‘s Application to Science

The CRAMP database is expanding with the addition of research conducted at CRAMP sites. These sites have been selected by marine scientists for the existing spatial and temporal data that can be used to further their research interests. Sites have been used to determine distribution and abundance of introduced organisms, (Coles in press), and alien algae (Smith et al. 1998). They have been utilized to assess the extent of coral disease in the Main Hawaiian Islands (Aeby unpublished). Statewide parrotfish populations sizes have been compared with populations in Kāne‘ohe Bay to investigate herbivory on invasive algae. Data on current fish populations have been compared to a terrestrial archeological site to contrast fish communities at Nu‘alolo Kai, Kaua‘i (Graves unpublished) CRAMP data has been used to facilitate management decisions (Natural Area Reserves, Division of Aquatic Resources, Environmental Protection Agency, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Council, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife, US Dept. of Agriculture), and to further educational research (UH: biometry, zoology, botany, anthropology, Boise Forestry Science, Reefbase). Data has been requested to support legal cases (Hokulia and Pila’a), prepare environmental impact statements (artificial reefs, mooring pins and harbor modification), assist in permitting (‘Āhihi Kina’u), and to incorporate into state and federal “state of the reef” reports. Requests for specific site information by State and Federal managers, non-governmental organizations, scientists from diverse fields, and the general public have been numerous.

These initial assessment data can be used in the future to estimate impact of major environmental events such as storm waves or bleaching events. These data can be used to test the effectiveness of each parameter in predicting coral resistance and recovery. Such results can be utilized in strengthening the MPA selection process, evaluating existing management protocol, and designing future monitoring programs. The value of this database will continue to increase over time and will be highly influential to marine science.

References:

Coles in press

Smith et al. 1998

Last Update: 04/21/2008

By: Lea Hollingsworth

Hawai‘i Coral Reef Assessment & Monitoring Program

Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology

P.O. Box 1346

Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744

808-236-7440 phone

808-236-7443 fax

email: jokiel@hawaii.edu