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Initial CRAMP Objectives:

The objective of CRAMP as stated in the initial proposal in 1998 was:

"To describe spatial and temporal variation in Hawaiian coral reef communities in relation to natural and anthropogenic forcing functions."

Such a description would allow scientist and managers to account for differences that we observe across the Hawaiian Islands and explain changes that occur over time. Natural processes are responsible for shaping these communities, but anthropomorphic impacts are becoming more important as the population of the state increases. It is very important to understand the role of natural processes (such as wave energy) in establishing the basic structure of pristine Hawaiian coral reef communities. These pristine conditions, set by nature, have been termed "reference conditions" for a given environment. Anthropogenic (caused by human activities) factors alter the pristine situation. The impact of humans is a primary concern to those responsible for management of our coral reef resource.

The ongoing analysis of the CRAMP data reveals the importance of various forcing functions. One of the most important natural process responsible for spatial variation of biological communities on Hawai‘i‘s coral reefs is wave energy. Wave energy is one of the most difficult and expensive parameters to quantify. The major anthropogenic forcing function on fish community structure is fishing pressure. Other major forcing anthropogenic forcing functions include nutrification and sedimentation.

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