-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        SILS Bulletin 08-26 The Coral Reef of South Molokai
Date:   Tue, 9 Dec 2008 15:28:21 -0700
From:   Sheryle J Jackson <[log in to unmask]>
To:     maps-l








*SILS Information Bulletin*
* *
*Number: 08-26 The Coral Reef of South Molokai’ Hawaii Portrait of a
Sediment-Threatened Fringing Reef*
*Date: December 8, 2008*

Stock# * 208637 *(Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5101)
Price: $39.00 for the book plus $5.00 handling per order

Hawaiian Reefs, like other reefs worldwide, harbor an incredible
diversity of plant and animal life and that richness is reflected in the
cultural traditions of native peoples and in prosperity from tourism.
However, coral reefs are in decline worldwide and Hawaii and Molokai are
no exception. An abundance of land-derived silt has washed from
Molokai’s slopes, and threatens the health of the island’s reef by
blocking light and choking the reef inhabitants. Conditions on Hawaii’s
reefs vary from island to island and location to location and the causes
of degradation are both natural and human induced.

The importance of identifying and monitoring the effects of land based
pollution has become crucial within the United States. Starting in 1999,
the USGS, along with university and agency partners, initiated a study
to map the reef off south Molokai and describe the coral, analyze the
sediment, and measure the processes that suspend and transport sediment
on the reef. The fringing reef, like the island itself, is the product
of many cycles of growth and destruction. It is a combination of modern
growth over a volcanic surface shaped by ancestral patterns of sea-level
change and reef accretion.

Despite the similarity in origin and physical processes that Molokai
shares with the other Hawaiian Islands, the island is unique in many
ways. Its marked east-west orientation and its relatively storm and wave
protected south shore are two important factors that have contributed to
the development of a spectacular coral reef that is perhaps the most
extensive and continuous fringing reef in the Hawaiian chain. But today
the Molokai reef is at a crossroad – the evidence of damage from heavy
land use is clear, and yet procedures for its protection through
improved land-use practices are already underway. It is hoped this
publication will be of value to all coastal people living harmoniously
with neighboring coral reefs. Some of the causes of reef degradation are
global, but many remain local. It is largely through local decisions and
local actions that protection of coral reefs can be assured for future
generations.

This Scientific Investigations report contains 180 pages of information
in color which can be purchased through the USGS store at
*/_http://store.usgs.gov_/**/_ ._/* For more information on this or
other USGS products contact the USGS Science Information and Library
Services (SILS) at 1-888-ASK-USGS. */_ _/*


Sheryle Girk-Jackson 303 202 4176, FAX 303 202 4633, email:
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Sheryle J. Girk-Jackson
Technical Information Specialist/Business Acquisitions
USGS/ESIC