Coastal and Climate Science

A dim reefscape contrasts bright healthy corals with dingy, sediment covered outcrops.

30 May: Mapping coral response to water quality stressors to improve coral restoration planning and ridge-to-reef management

PI: Lillian J. Tuttle Raz
In southwest Maui, sedimentation is a major threat to coral-reef health, but watershed management projects lack specific, measurable targets for eroded sediment reduction. To address this, researchers will work with local organizations and agencies to develop sediment stress thresholds specific to species and places, to inform both water-based restoration and land management efforts at Olowalu Reef.
Plant covered dunes end in abrupt meter-high drop-offs to a narrow remnant of beach washed by low surf, as beachgoers sit, walk, and play along the eroded shoreline.

30 May: Estimating the economic value of coastal tourism under climate change using revealed mobile phone network data

PI: Nori Tarui
Hawaiian coastlines are integral to Hawaiian tourism, a leading economic driver in the state, but are being impacted by climate change and sea-level rise. This study explores the economic repercussions of shifting sites suitable for recreation across the state to understand better the value of coastal and outdoor recreation over time under different climate scenarios.
Ronsted_Pandanus forest_CCby4.0_Ji-Elle_square

30 May: Community value-based management of coastal Pandanus forests to mitigate the effects of climate change in Hawai‘i

PI: Nina Rønsted
Pandanus forests, that once provided cultural resources and protection to Hawaiian coastlines, have been partly cleared or mixed with invasive or introduced coastal trees. This project will work with forest stewards to develop a community-based biocultural management plan that provides a robust framework of recommendations for coastal Hawaiian Pandanus forest conservation and management.