State, nonprofit partner to take swift action and reattach coral in damaged area of reef in waters off O‘ahu

Swift action led by Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Divison of Aquatic Resources biologists and staff with the assistance from members of community-based nonprofit Kuleana Coral Restoration stood up — literally — coral colonies on a reef in the waters of an O‘ahu bay.

About 200 corals were reattached throughout 3 weeks toward the end of July and beginning of August to a possibly anchor-damaged area of the Kewalo Basin seafloor in waters off Honolulu.

Five Division of Aquatic Resources divers first investigated the damage July 5 and immediately righted 74 large coral colonies.

The following week, broken pieces known as corals of opportunity were collected and moved to temporary storage sites close to the impact area for future preparation and transplanting.

Fortunately, those corals of opportunity were relocated July 13 before a considerable swell event to prevent further damage to the reef.

“Loose corals, especially larger colonies, can cause significant damage during wave or high energy events by being picked up and knocked into or scraped against other corals, possibly causing more breakage across the reef,” said Anita Tsang, a Division of Aquatic Resources biologist.

Divers went back a week after the swell event to inspect the corals of opportunity at storage sites. They found the corals fared well and were still within their temporary holding areas.

These corals were lifted onto a boat, where they were fitted with stainless steel pins and hybrid epoxy adhesive. Restoration sites for reattachment were selected near the impact site based on similar and suitable habitat types following technical advice from the Division of Aquatic Resources and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The about 200 corals reattached ranged in size from 4 inches to 2 feet. Most were lobal corals.

There were fewer than a dozen corals that too large to reattach.

“These large corals were moved and placed in upright positions and are likely heavy enough to withstand regular wave action at a depth of 50 feet at the site,” said Kimberly Fuller, Division of Aquatic Resources O‘ahu District biologist. “They stayed upright during the south shore swell event. [Division of Aquatic Resources] divers will check on these colonies later this year and will determine if further action is needed.”

Kuleana Coral Restoration is also conducting follow-up surveys and will submit updates to the state aquatic resources division and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assess the long-term success of restoration efforts.

The nonprofit volunteered its services for reef repair using a special activity permit that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration obtained from the Division of Aquatic Resources for emergency responses, under which vetted coral restoration practitioners are covered.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also provided additional technical support for the project.