Description:
Author(s):
Vargas-Angel, B
Title:
Determining the effectiveness of watershed management activities to reduce land-based pollution on West Maui
Publication Date:
2016
Proceedings Title:
13th International Coral Reef Symposium
Abstract:
"As an approach to reduce the effects of land-based sources of pollution on coral reefs, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program identified West Maui as one of two Pacific Region priority areas for the implementation of the Ridge-to-Reef management initiative. There are five priority watersheds in West Maui: Wahikuli, Honokowai, Kahana, Honokohua, and Honolua. This study summarizes work completed to establish a baseline against which to assess the effectiveness of future upland management activities aimed at reducing sedimentation stress to the adjacent coral reefs. Permanent, replicate coral community monitoring transects were established adjacent to seven drainages within the five priority watersheds. Benthic reef community structure and coral population demographic parameters, including percent cover, coral colony density, size class structure, and health condition data were collected. In addition, terrestrial sediment loading was evaluated by turbidity, sediment composition, and sediment accumulation data at a subset of sites. While this baseline assessment provides a framework to assess change over time, it also underpins the wide range in the overall health status and condition among adjacent coral communities in relation to land use, in addition to highlighting data and informational gaps. This information is a pivotal component of the watershed characterization process as it helps support decision-making regarding watershed restoration efforts aimed at reducing land-based pollution impacts to high-priority reefs."
Electronic Access:
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