Fish Diversity Data on O‘ahu
Reef fish are essential to Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems. They maintain coral health, recycle nutrients, and support both cultural and ecological resilience. As a result, tracking fish data on O’ahu is imperative. However, overfishing, habitat degradation, and rising ocean temperatures have reduced fish diversity and abundance in many areas. Tracking this data provides valuable insight into reef health and recovery.
Our fish data visualizations combine survey information collected by Ocean Alliance Project staff, interns, and community scientists. The interactive dashboard below displays species composition, abundance, and biomass trends of reef fish across Oʻahu’s south shore reefs, thus painting a better biological story.
About the Data: Monitoring Fish Populations on O‘ahu
We collect fish data through standardized underwater visual census methods during ecological monitoring dives. Thus, each survey records:
- Fish species (identified by trained divers and verified through photo and video documentation)
- Abundance and size estimates for each species observed (e.g., >30cm)
- Functional groups such as herbivores, carnivores, and planktivores
- Environmental factors including depth, visibility, and habitat type
We gather this data during dives led by Ocean Alliance Project instructors and scientific divers. We validate submissions, and upload them to our fish monitoring database, ensuring accuracy and comparability across years.
Using the Fish Data Dashboard
Explore the dashboard above to:
- View spatial patterns of fish diversity and abundance across sites (e.g., Maunalua Bay, Waikīkī, and Kewalo Basin)
- Analyze temporal trends, (e.g., identifying how populations shift across seasons or restoration timelines)
- Compare functional groups to evaluate ecosystem balance and herbivore recovery
- Examine species composition between restoration and reference sites
As more surveys are added, these visualizations reveal how reef communities change over time and help track the success of restoration efforts.
How We Use These Insights
Fish data guide Ocean Alliance Project’s monitoring and restoration strategies. Analyzing these trends allows us and our partners to:
- Assess reef health through changes in fish diversity and biomass
- Identify sites showing ecological recovery or signs of stress
- Evaluate management and restoration effectiveness
- Support community-based decision-making and education
By integrating fish monitoring with coral and invertebrate data, we create a complete picture of reef ecosystem function on Oʻahu.
Get Involved
You can help advance marine conservation by:
- Joining our Ecological Monitoring Program or Citizen Science Snorkel Days
- Learning reef fish identification through our training workshops
- Supporting ongoing research through volunteering or donations
Together, we can strengthen fish populations, restore reef ecosystems, and protect Hawaiʻi’s marine biodiversity for generations to come.