The south coast of Moloka‘i has a broad reef flat, with extensive coral reef growth on the reef front and slope. There is concern that deforestation and invasive species have increased the sediment flux from land to coastal waters, and that this increased flux is decreasing coral reef health. In response to this concern, the USGS is collecting information on factors that may control the mobilization and movement of sediment in the watershed. In the marine environment, the USGS is collecting information on the distribution of terrestrial sediment on the reef, the residence time of this sediment, and the dynamics of sediment resuspension. The goal of this work is to develop models that can assist watershed and coral reef managers in conservation and restoration decisions.

The Bishop Museum Research Seminar Series is a monthly forum held on the SECOND THURSDAY of each month, usually at 4 p.m. in the Pākī Conference Room. [Contact: Steve Coles, slcoles@bishopmuseum.org, 847-8256.