The bay we are working to protect

Coral Disease In Hawai’i

Coral Disease in Hawai’i Data Visualizations

Coral reefs are among Hawaiʻi’s most important ecosystems—providing food security, coastal protection, and habitat for thousands of species. However, rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and other stressors are driving increases in coral disease in Hawai’i. Tracking and understanding these patterns is essential to protecting reef health and supporting restoration.

Our coral disease visualizations bring together data collected by Ocean Alliance Project staff, interns, and community scientists across Oʻahu’s southern reefs. The interactive dashboard below displays real-time and historical insights into prevalence of coral disease in Hawai’i, along with distribution, and severity across multiple monitoring sites.

About the Data Documenting Coral Disease in Hawai’i

We collect data through standardized coral health and disease monitoring protocols developed in collaboration with Conservation Diver and NOAA. Thus, each survey records:

  • Coral genus (e.g., Porites, Montipora, Pocillopora, etc.)
  • Disease type (e.g., White Syndrome, Black Band Disease, Growth Anomalies, etc.)
  • Lesion severity and prevalence
  • Environmental data such as temperature, depth, and visibility

We conduct surveys during ecological monitoring dives led by Ocean Alliance Project staff, instructors, and trained volunteers. Therefore, data is validated, uploaded, and integrated into the visualization dashboard, ensuring accuracy and consistency over time.

Using the Coral Disease in Hawai’i Dashboard

Explore the dashboard above to:

  • View spatial patterns of coral disease across sites (e.g., Maunalua Bay, Kewalo Basin, and Waikīkī)
  • Analyze temporal trends, observing how disease prevalence shifts seasonally and with temperature
  • Compare disease frequency by coral genus to identify which species are most affected
  • Evaluate restoration and reference sites side-by-side to monitor ecosystem recovery

We continuously update this as new surveys are completed, thus creating an evolving picture of coral reef health around Oʻahu.

How We Use These Insights

Coral disease data help guide Ocean Alliance Project’s restoration and conservation strategy. Therefore, visualizing these trends allows our team and partners to:

  • Detect emerging disease outbreaks early
  • Identify resilient coral species and prioritize them for restoration
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of restoration interventions
  • Share findings with the broader research and management community

As a result, this work supports statewide efforts such as the Holomua Marine Initiative and Restore with Resilience, ensuring data-driven decisions for the future of Hawaiʻi’s reefs.

coral disease in Hawai'i known as tissue loss disease, where the tissue is sloughing off of the coral
coral disease in Hawai'i documented as progressive white lesions across the surface area of coral tissue

Get Involved

You can help protect our reefs by:

Together, we can protect Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs and ensure their resilience for generations to come.