A diver photographs a coral reef with an underwater camera to survey and monitor the status of the reef.
NPS Photo
At Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, we are dedicated to preserving our marine environment. Every summer, park SCUBA divers conduct surveys to monitor the health of coral reefs, track marine species, and observe changes in the ecosystem. These efforts help us understand the impacts of environmental changes and human activities, guiding our conservation strategies.
To monitor the reefs at the park, we use Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. This innovative technology allows us to capture detailed images of the reefs and use them to create accurate and highly detailed 3D models of the ecosystem. By analyzing these models, we can gain a better understanding of the structure and health of the reefs, identify areas of concern, and develop more effective conservation strategies.
Furthermore, the NPS Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network tracks coral bleaching trends during Global Scale Bleaching Events through sea floor surveys at four parks in the Pacific: Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park; Kalaupapa National Historical Park; National Park of American Samoa; and War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Visit this NPS Article to read more about the studies done by the Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, in coral reefs and other ecosystems throughout the Pacific Ocean.
