Healthy reefs sustain Hawaiʻi’s culture, food security, and coastal protection. Therefore, we collect and share ecological monitoring data in Hawai’i to help managers, researchers, and community members make informed decisions. Explore interactive dashboards for coral disease, fish, and invertebrates—each updated as new surveys arrive.
Why is Ecological Monitoring Data in Hawai’i Important?
Ecological monitoring data in Hawaiʻi is essential for understanding and protecting the health of coral reef ecosystems that sustain island communities. By systematically tracking coral, fish, and invertebrate populations, researchers and community scientists can detect early signs of stress such as disease, bleaching, or declining biodiversity. This data guides restoration efforts and supports informed decision-making, thus strengthening Hawaiʻi’s ability to respond to climate change and human impacts. Most importantly, it empowers local communities to take an active role in stewardship, thus ensuring that the reefs, which provide food security, cultural identity, and coastal protection, remain vibrant for future generations.
Explore the Ecological Monitoring in Hawai’i Dashboards
Coral Disease in Hawaiʻi — Data Visualizations
Discover spatial and temporal trends in coral disease across Oʻahu’s south shore. Additionally, view prevalence by site, track outbreaks, and compare affected genera to prioritize restoration.
Visit: Coral Disease in Hawai‘i Data Visualizations
Fish Data on Oʻahu
Dive into species composition, abundance, and biomass trends from our reef fish surveys. Additionally, compare functional groups, evaluate site recovery, and see how communities shift through time.
Visit: Fish Data on Oʻahu
Invertebrate Data on Oʻahu
Examine density and distribution of key benthic invertebrates (e.g., urchins, cucumbers, and more). Assess indicator species and understand how invertebrates shape reef resilience.
Visit: Invertebrate Data on Oʻahu
About Our Methods
We use standardized ecological monitoring protocols during guided dives. Teams record species, sizes or counts, and environmental conditions. Then, we validate submissions and publish them to our dashboards. Because methods remain consistent across sites and years, you can compare trends confidently.
How These Data Are Used
- Detect early warning signs of reef stress and potential disease outbreaks
- Guide restoration planning and evaluate outcomes over time
- Support partner decision-making and student research projects
- Engage communities in science through open, accessible data
Get Involved
Join our Ecological Monitoring Program, contribute observations through KoʻaView, or support this work with a donation. Together, we can expand ecological monitoring data in Hawaiʻi, thus strengthening reef resilience for future generations.