Proceedings of the Seventh International Coral Reef Symposium, Guam, 1992, Vol. 2

Promoting Coral Reef Conservation, Monitoring and Research Through Experimental Education Programs

S. H. RUSSELL

Marine Option Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of , IOOO Pope Rd. #229, , Hawaii, 96822, U.S.A.

Abstract. Through a variety of experiential ocean Recognizing the potential impact over fishing, education programs which focus on coral reef com­ marine debris, coastal development, snorkeling and munities, the University of Hawaii's Marine Op. diving, anchor damage and aquarium specimen col­ tion Program promotes coral reef awareness and lecting could have on Hawaii's coral reefs, the state conservation while inspiring and training students has developed a state-wide system of Marine Life who will become the next generation of coral reef Conservation Districts (MLCD) which, rnpposedly, scientists, educators, journalists, resource managers will protect these resources for sustainable use. The and policy makers. Coral reef-oriented programs first MLCD, Hanauma Bay on , was estab­ include a Quantitative Underwater Ecological Sur­ lished in 1967 (Hawaii Department of Land and veying Techniques (QUEST) workshop, non-credit Natural Resources 1967). Subsequently. eight other reef life identification courses, undergraduate in­ MLCDs have been desginated and several addi­ ternships and coral reef resource assesiiments tional sites have been proposed for future desig­ throughout the State of Hawaii. Coral reef educa­ nation. tion programs available to the general public as well Unfortunately, Hawaii's marine preserves ap. as the university community include informal lec­ pear to be managed more as "economic districts" tures, seminars and diving/snorkeling field trips. rather than "conservation districts", putting eco­ Experiential reef education programs are provided nomic considerations before ecological conserva­ for special-needs groups such as Elderhcstel. A tion of the habitats within the MLCD.s . . monthly newsletter reaching students, university Hanauma Bay is a classic case in point. Until staff and administrators, teachers, government em­ new management plans were instigated in 1991, ployees and elected officials promotes reef conser­ 5,000-9,000 visitors per day jammed into the Han­ vation through marine journalism. auma Bay beach park (Reynolds 1991 ). Observa­ tions of visitors touching or walking on t!te reef and indiscriminantly feeding fish with human food were common. Other impacts to the reef at Hanauma Bay result from the fact that the beach park rest­ Introduction rooms that service the 5,000-9,000 visitors per day Over six million tourists visit Hawaii each year. remain on cesspools which are undoubtedly a Many choose Hawaii.as their vacation destination source of nutrients to the reef. With littlt: in the way because of the quality, -year-round ocean recrea­ of education concerning reef use "etiquette'', the tional opportunities. In addition, many of Hawaii's impacts continue to affect the vitality and health of one million plus residents choose to live in Hawaii the reef. , because of the surrounding ocean resources includ­ Fortunately, steps are being taken by the City ing ocean recreation. Together, tourists and resi­ and County of Honolulu Parks and Recreation D<,!­ dents represent a huge potential impact on Hawaii's partment to create a better balance between econ­ coastal resources, particularly nearshore, accessible omy-based and ecology-based management poli­ coral reef habitats. cies. The number of visitors to the bay at any one

UNIHI-SEAGRANT-CP-90-08 1071 1072 Russell

time has been curtailed by limiting the number of The body of coral reef-related projects com­ parking stalls and restricting commercial opera­ pleted as MOP internships has grown steadily. Re­ tions from dropping off visitors. Fish feeding is now ports from these projects often represent the only limited to specially formulated fish pellets. An ed­ baseline information available from the study sites ucation program, supported by the University of and are requested often by government and private Hawaii Sea Grant College Program and Friends of agencies who find the baseline data extremely useful Hanauma Bay, now provides information to tour­ as they attempt to determine possible impacts from ists on the natural history of the bay as well as subsequent coastal development and increasing proper reef etiquette that promotes reef conserva­ ocean tourism. Table l is a compilation of MOP tion by minimizing human impact. Restrooms student coral reef-related project reports. All reports have been hooked up to a sewer system although are available to the public. design flaws have prevented the system from com­ ing on line. Surveying Techniques Workshop The story of Hanauma Bay will be repe&ted at other state-wide MLCDs as population and tourism Annually, MOP offers an intensive two-week sur­ pressures grow in Hawaii. How can we prevent un­ veying techniques workshop known as QUEST, an wanted human impacts to the reefs? The answers acronym for quantitative underwater ecological lie in educating the public, specifically the reef surveying techniques (Maynard 1985). During the users, about how their behavior can either nega­ methods workshop, students learn and practice tively or positively impact the coral reef commu­ skills needed to survey, monitor or conduct re­ nity. The general public must be made aware of the search on coral reefs. Skills taught and practiced at impact that coastal land use and fishing practices QUEST include reef mapping, visual fish censusing, have on the nearshore environment, especially frag­ statistics and experimental design, tow boarding, ile coral reefs. Scientists must monitor the reef en­ underwater photography and videography, benthic vironments to keep a close check on the reefs censusing (visually and with photoquadrant), dive health as well as continue to conduct research on safety, computer data analysis and puLlic presen­ human-coral reef interactions. The growing need tation of the results. for well-trained coral reef educators and scientists The QUEST workshop is a for-credit. course of­ to conduct longterm monitoring and research is ap­ fered during the summer session at the University parent. of Hawaii at Hilo. Anyone able to acquire Univer­ The Marine Option Program (MOP) at tl.e Uni­ sity of Hawaii Scientific Diver status may apply to versity of Hawaii has provided experiential ocean participate in the workshop. education programs for university students ~nd the general public for the past two decades. MOP's ex- Nearshore Ecological Surveys . perienced-based internships, credit and non-credit courses, workshops, seminars, field trips aad out­ After successfully completing QUEST, students reach programs cover all aspects of ocean educa­ may apply their skills by becoming members of tion, but this paper will focus on programs directly MOP research teams which conduct extramurally related to coral reef education. funded nearshore ecological surveys at various sites throughout the state. Historically such surveys have Internships ·been funded by state and private agencies requiring survey work to be done in conjunction with MLCD Since 1971 the Marine Option Program has offered proposals, environmental impact assessments and experienced-based ocean education programs to fishery management research. Again, reports re­ undergraduates in the 10-campus University of Ha­ sulting from the surveys often represent the only waii system (Maynard 1984). Students may earn a baseline data available on particular sites. As a re­ certificate through the program by completing 9- sult these reports continue to be usefu! by govern­ 12 marine-related course credits and an internship. ment and private agencies. Table 2 lists the MOP . Many student internship projects completed over ;;ponsored surveys to date. All reports are available the past two decades have concerned cora! reefs. to the public. In these projects students either assist coral reef scientists with ongoing research or they may pro­ Marine Journalism Training pose and implement independent projects. Fund­ ing, through a stipend, is available from MOP to Seawords, MOP's monthly newsletter, ·is another students whose internship proposals show merit. tool for educating the public about coral reefs. Sea- Promoting Coral Reef Conservation, Monitoring and Research 1073

Table I. Coral Reef-Related Intership Projects by Marine Option Program Students

1972 Proposal for and Underwater Trail in Hanauma Bay, Oahu Rollison, C. 1974 Marine Park Study Roach, J. 1975 A Sociological Survey of the Users of Hanauma Bay Fukuhara, K. et al. Identification of Hawaiian Reef Fishes and Underwater Survey Techniques: A Marine Option Program Skill Requirement Myers, R. Marine Conservation Area Study: Kauai Takeuchi, D. Papohaku Beach Survey Oishi, F. 1976 The Effects of Mercury on Fenilization and Oeavage of Tripnuestes gratilla Shiroma, E. 1978 A Method for Examining Visual Discrimination in Muraenea pardalis Caner, J. and J. Higham Dangerous Marine Organisms of Hawaii Clark, A. 1980 Submarine Topography of the Inner Reef at Hanauma Bay, Oahu Huston, D. et al. 1982 Chaetodon multicinctus: Size Comparisons of Pair Members Bond, J. et al. Precious Coral Harada, R. Phenotype and Population Distribution Studies on the Sea Urchins (Genus: Echinometra) found on , Hawaii McNeil, K. Big Island Waikiki Aquarium Docent Program Orcutt, A. 1983 Coastal Inventory: A Shon Description of the Field Study, Invertebrates Seen and a Look at Some of the Problems Encountered Gulko, D. Biology of Crown-of-Thoms Starfish (Acanthaster plancl) ·~ Theesefeld, M. Puako Report Tomita, A. and R. Ueunten Acanthaster p/anci at Puako and Honaunau: A Study of Their Distribution Clements, D. and A. Orcutt 1986 The Relationship between the Physical Environment and the Territoriality in the Brown Surgeon Fish, Acanthurus nigrofuscus Doll,C. 1987 Instructional Assistance to the Marine Option Program in Preparation for and during the Maui Transecting Workshop, May 19-29, 1985 at Oiowalu, Maui Levesque, S. Enhancement of the Educational Aspects of the Edge· of the Reef Exhibit at the Waikiki Aquarium Takahashi, K. words has printed articles on MLCD issues, MOP­ Field Trips, Seminars and Outreach Programs sponsored coral reef ·sUI:veys, student ip.ternship projects and interviews with coral reef scientists Coral reef education is also providf'.d to the uni­ and educators. The newsletter is student-operated versity students and the general public through or­ and provides valuable training for future marine ganized field trips, seminars, non-credit courses and journalists who, hopefully, will be reaching a much through community outreach programs. Snorkeling wider audience with coral reef issues. With a cir­ and diving field trips to MLCDs and other reef sites culation of 1,500, Seawords is an effect~ve tool for provide participants with hands-on experiences informing the general public and policy makers with the natural history of reef organisms, MLCD about coral reef issues and projects. management policies and problems associated wit~ 1074 Russell

Table 1. (Continued).

1988 Density Dependent Recruitment of Chaetodon miliaris in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii Dickerson, 8. Economic Aspects of Risk Management Practices of Ocean-Related Recreation Industry in Hawaii Flanagan, M. Documentation of the 1988 QUEST (Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques) Workshop (video) Teshima, L 1989 Education of Grade School Students about the Coral Reef Ecosystems in Kaneohe Bay Stender, G. Minimal Nucleotide Sequence Divergence Detected in the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis by Direct Sequencing of Enzymatically Amplified DNA Stice, L.

1990 The History of Hawaii 0 s Laws in Relation to the Collection of Tropical Fish by Chemical Means Deal, Leonard Effects of Canopy Size on the Stratification and Shade Adaptation of Zooxanthellae and Chlorophyll in the Reef Coral Pocillopora damicornis Rosenfeld, C. 1991 Marine Education Video to Be Used as a Teaching Aid in Preparing for the University of Hawaii's QUEST Workshop Childers, M. et al. A Baseline Search for Patterns in the Distribution and Abundance of Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) off , Oahu Logan, S. Field Identification for Balistinae and Monocanthinae (video) Mahoney, K. Hanauma Bay Baseline Users Survey Reynolds, E. impacts of mass tourism on accessible coral reefs. neohe Bay, Oahu; Hilo Bay, Hawaii and for the Informal seminar series are designed to give stu­ nearshore waters of the island of Lanai. Such sur­ dents a variety of perspectives on coral reef re­ veys will aid state and federal agencies in their ef­ search, education, management and conservation. forts to effectively manage Hawaii's coral reef Non-credit classes include reef organism identifi­ resources. cation, video editing, underwater videography and A proposal to provide QUEST workshop train­ photography and ocean art workshops. ing to students and scientists in the U.S. affiliated To reach still another segment of society, MOP Pacific Islands is currently under consideration. provides one to five-day coral reef education pro­ Such training would provide the needed skills to grams for Elderhostel, a travel-learn prouam for Pacific Islanders who have an urgent need to mon­ senior citizens. This growing segment of the world's itor reef systems potentially impacted by global population, especially in developed countries, and warming, coastal development and fishing pres­ resulting political clout should not be overlooked sures brought on by exploding populations. or underestimated in efforts to educate the public about coral reef issues. For seniors in the program Conclusions it is often their first experience snorkeling and their first awareness that coral reef conservation is some­ The coral reef-releated experiential education pro­ thing that should be their concern. Elderhdstel par­ grams offered by MOP have made and continue to ticipants comment that they were previously una­ make a positive impact on the way that coral reefs ware that coral reefs around the world Hre under in Hawaii are managed and used. Nearshore eco­ assault and that there exists some very compelling logical surveys conducted by MOP in Hawaii con­ reasons to protect these vulnerable communities. tinue to be useful as baseline studies. Many of the recommendations, ranging from installation of Future Initiatives mooring pins to the need for interpret.ive signage to the designation of the study sites as marine pro­ MO P's role in coral reef education is growing with tected areas, which have resulted from these studies several new initiatives. Future surveys of coral reef have either been implemented or are still under resources are planned with the next year for Ka- consideration. Undoubtedly, MOP's r.iost signifi- Promoting Coral Reef Conservation, Monitoring and Research 1075

Table 2. Baseline Surveys Conducted by Marine Option Program

1973 Ecological Baseline Study of the Intertidal Zone, Kapoho, Hawaii Ford, J. 1975 Marine Biological Survey of Kaneohe Bay: A Baseline Study Muraoka, G. et al. 1976 Kahoolawe Reef Fish Survey Akaka, L et al. 1977 Kauai Coastal Zone Resources Survey Baldwin, C. et al. 1979 Marine Option Program Data Acquision Project: Papohaku Beach, Molokai and Molokini Island, Maui Anazi, G. et al. ' Data Acquisition Project: Honolua Bay, Maui Torricer, Let al. 1980 A Comparison of Two Visual Survey Techniques for Fish Populations Sanderson, L. et al. Marine Option Program Data Acquision Project: Papohaku Beach, Molokai T orricer, L. et al. 1981 The Effects of Siltation upon. the Nearshore Marine Environment of Kahoolawe Kawamoto, K. et al. 1982 The Composition of Micromolluscan Assemblages in the Hawaiian Archipelago: Niihau, and Kure Kay, A. et al. 1983 Puako Report Tomita, A. and R. Ueunten Acanthaster p/anci at Puako and Honaunau: A Study of Their Distribution Cements, D. and A. Orcutt 1985 A Baseline Survey of Ahihi Bay Bass, P. and L. Teshima 1986 Baseline Survey: Kaiahulu Bay to Mokuleia Army Beach, Oahu, Hawaii Lelesch, G. et al. 1987 Olowalu Report: Nearshore Baseline Survey, Maui, Hawaii Ambrose, E. et al. Nearshore Baseline Surveys ofWainiha Bay, Lumahai Beach and Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii Ambrose, E. et al. 1988 A Coastal Resource Inventory of the Lopa-Naha, Lanai Coastline Orcutt, A. et al. 1989 Assessment of the Mangrove Ecosystem of West Molokai, Hawaii, with Additional Site Survr.ys of Moanui Beach Park and Ualapue Fishpond Bigelow, K. et al. Kilauea Point Ocean Resources Survey, Kauai, Hawaii Russell, S. et al. 1990 Hanauma Bay Ecological Survey: A Baseline Study Sano, M. et al. 1991 Molokini Survey Project Final Report Harr, R. et al. Quantitative Survey of Fishes at Hanauma Bay, Oahu Stender, G.

cant contribution to coral reef cor.servation has Managing ht~man use of ocean and coastal re­ been the increase in public-awareness brought about sources is the key to successful coral reef manage­ by MOP graduates who have become educators, ment. This will be realized only through changes in environmental journalists, employees of ocean-re­ behaviors that must be learned. Hopefully coral reef lated governmental and non-governmental agen­ education efforts will convince humans .that the cies, owners of ocean recreation businesses and ma­ many benefits derived from coral reefs over the long rine research scientists. These contributions, term far outweigh the short term, consumptive and although difficult to quantify, are nevertheless real non-sustainable uses widely practiced today. Only and longlasting. through educating the public, enforcing effective 1,076 Russell management plans and careful training of the next Natural Resources, Honolulu, Hawaii. August, 1989, pp generation of coral reef scientists and educators can 1-16. Maynard SD ( 1984) An undergraduate marine internship and the goal of coral reef conservation be realized. activities program for the University of Hawaii system. Proceedings of Oceans '84:820-824. Acknowledgments. Dr. Sherwood Maynard for his support Maynard SD and Saint G ( 198S) Underwater transect training and encouragement. · by the University of Hawaii Marine Option Program. Pro­ ceedings of Joint International Diving Symposium. Oc­ tober 31, 198S to November 3, 198S. La Jolla, California, References U.S.A. American Academy of Underwater Sciences, La Jolla. pp 281-294. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (1967) Reynolds EM (1991) Hanauma Bay baseline users survey. Sea Title 13, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Grant Publication UNIHl-SEAGRANT-CP-91-01. pp 1- Subtitle 4 Fisheries, Part I Marine Life Conservation Dis­ 68. tricts, Chapter 28, Hanauma Bay Marine Life Conser­ Wilson, Okamoto and Associates, Inc ( 1977) Hanauma Bay vation District, Oahu. pp 1-3. Beach Park site development plan. Prepared for the City Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources ( 1989) Hawaii fishing and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Rec­ regulations. Prepared for the Department of Land and reation. Final Report, 1977. pp 1-104.