Abstracts of TCBES Symposium (PDF)

Pacific Agriculture and Natural Resources

Abstracts of TCBES Symposium

John Burns the fishery is limited and should result in low Skeletal Growth Anomalies Afflicting Montipora harvesting pressure because Kalaupapa is a remote capitata Corals at Wai’opae Tide Pools peninsula physically isolated. The ‘opihi surveying methods utilizes the same protocol that the ‘Opihi An abnormally high prevalence of coral diseases has Monitoring Program uses statewide and will be used to plagued the Wai‘opae tide pools on the southeast coast obtain data on ‘opihi population structure at eight sites of Hawai`i Island. At this site corals of the genus at Kalaupapa. Anthropological qualitative research Montipora are most afflicted by reduced health states. methods will be used to address how harvesting Survey data over the last three years has shown pressure may be potentially affecting ‘opihi size and 14.9±0.75% of these corals to be suffering from detri- densities within the national park. mental health afflictions. This study investigated the skeletal growth anomalies (SGAs) impacting M. capitata because of their high prevalence and lack of Nakoa Goo etiological data and definitive field diagnoses. Marine Resources Index: Papahānaumokuākea Marine Morphological assessment of the skeletal National Monument microstructure using macro photography showed that these SGAs can be classified into two distinct Marine resources in the Hawaiian archipelago are categories for M. capitata; Type A and Type B. Type A valuable for a variety of stake holder groups. Species of growth anomalies have a significan t reduction in polyp economic and cultural importance account for the (50% +/- S.E.) and tuberculae density with many overwhelming majority of marine resource biomass tuberculae fused and protrusive. Type B growth removed from reefs in the Main Hawaiian Islands anomalies have no discernable polyps as well as fused (MHI). The selective removal of these species in waters and protuber- ant coenosteum. M. capitata corals were throughout the MHI has been responsible for declines surveyed exhaustively at this site and the prevalence of in population size and abundance of these species. In Type A lesions was found to be 30.7% and Type B contrast, the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) lesions to be 9.1% among all the colonies observed. contain some of the last predator dominated reef Logistic regression analysis showed Type A prevalence ecosystems in the world and their current protective is a significant predictor of the prevalence of Type B status can provide insights into ecosystems lesions which provides evidence of the potential functioning under minimal anthropogenic impact. pathogenesis of this disease. Impacts of SGAs on the Observations of resource species assemblages provided physiology of this coral are being investigated using the opportunity for comparisons of abundance and Pulse Amplitude Modulation Fluorometry. By coupling biomass in protected and unprotected areas of the the prevalence data with a physiological assessment we archipelago in nearshore environments. Reductions in stand to accurately measure how this coral population population sizes of these species may lead to negative as a whole is impacted by this disease. impacts on reef ecosystem function and are important assessments which need to be made to inform S. Kehau Tom management of these species and prevent depletion of ‘Opihi (Cellana spp.) Densities at Kalaupapa National stocks due to over exploitation. Historical Park Tara Holitzki ‘ Opihi, or Hawaiian limpets (Cellana spp.), are one of Environmental Impacts of Invasive Fish in Hawaiian Stream the most prized species harvested in Hawai‘i because of Ecosystems their cultural significance to Hawaiians as a food resource and their high economic value. ‘Opihi are Members of the Topminnow Family, including found in the rocky-intertidal zones and have been guppies, mollies, swordtails and mosquitofish were first harvested for many generations as found in introduced into Hawaiian streams in the 1900’s for archaeological records. Hawaiians consider the ‘opihi mosquito control, and are well-established in several the fish of death because of their location in the high- stream ecosystems. Poeciliids have been identified as wave intertidal zones, thus making harvesting life one of the top 100 invasive species in the world and as threatening.There are three species of endemic ‘opihi an invasive species of concern in Hawai‘i. Despite the found in the Hawaiian archipelago: Cellana exarata, C. prevalence of poeciliids in Hawaiian streams, few sandwicensis, and C. talcosa. This study is investigating studies have examined their impacts on stream habitat ‘opihi size and densities in relationship to harvesting or on native species. Poeciliids have been identified as pressure at Kalaupapa National Historical Park located the source of parasites that now infest native gobies on the north shore on the island of Moloka‘i. Access to (‘o‘opu), causing disease and reducing the overall

Pac. Agric. Nat. Resour. Vol. 2: 37-42, 2010 38 Abstracts of TCBES Symposium fitness of native fish. Poeciliids are also thought to pool biota, we are quantifying the survival of egg and compete with native species for food and habitat, as early-instar larvae of the Orange-black Hawaiian these insectivorous fish also eat algae and small damselfly (Megalagrion xanthomelas). Preliminary results invertebrates that are important food sources for na reveal an inverse relationship between egg and early- tive ‘o‘opu and shrimp (‘opae). Direct impacts of instar survival and salinity, with this species possibly poeciliids on native species include feeding on native exhibiting a threshold response to rising salinity at 20 damselfly,‘o‘opu, and ‘opae larvae. In this study, ppt (approximately 60% seawater). Given the limited ecological parameters were compared among stream information on the effects of increased salinities on reaches with and without established populations of anchialine pool biota, this study will provide poeciliids along the Hamakua coast of the island of management implications and raise awareness on the Hawai‘i. These same parameters were compared among importance of these rare environments. experimental stream flumes with and without poeciliids to document stream ecosystem responses to poeciliids Mark Manuel under semi-controlled conditions. The ecological Investigating Survival, Movement and Spill Over Of Juvenile parameters measured include: 1) nutrient dynamics, 2) Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) from a Marine Protected benthic algal production, 3) algal communitystructure, Area in West Hawai‘i and 4) invertebrate community structure. Nitrate fluxes in poeciliid-free streams averaged 421.91±220.4 Numerous juvenile yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) μmol/s, and in poeciliid streams the mean nitrate flux are captured annually in the state of Hawai‘i for the was 2289.23±959.8μmol/s. The mean density of economically valuable aquarium trade. Through the guppies was 13.53±2.69 individuals/m2, while the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAS) along mean density of native species was 1.75±0.43 the west coast of Hawai‘i, this highly targeted species individuals/m2 in the same streams. The results of this has increased in abundance within these MPA study will provide new information on the effects that boundaries. However, MPAs can only be valuable this invasive family of fish are having on Hawaiian fisheries management strategies if ‘spillover’, the stream ecosystems, and will help resource managers in movement of juveniles and adults to adjacent areas that making management decisions concerning these are not protected, or ‘seeding’ improves or sustains ecosystems. fisheries harvest. Using tagging techniques and visual surveys, we investigated the survival, movement, and Nancy Chaney ‘spillover’ of juvenile yellow tang along the northern Connectivity Patterns of Two Hawaiian Marine Gastropods boundary of the Wawaloli MPA. Results demonstrated that survival is greatest within the MPA and movement Connectivity of benthic marine gastropods in Hawaii is minimal, which suggest high site fidelity of juvenile is poorly understood due to the lack of extensive yellow tang. These results can be beneficial for future studies. To test if geographic distance is related to management decisions pertaining to yellow tang and genetic distance, I sampled two nonpelagic developers the Hawai‘i aquarium trade industry. Mitrella fusiformis and Peristernia chlorostoma across the main Hawaiian Islands and compared their sequences Nicholas DeBoer using the mitochondrial COI gene. The resulting data Neutral Genetic Variation of (Metrosideros polymorpha) support the concept that some nonpelagic developers Along an Elevational Gradient form distinct, localized populations and that connectivity between populations may be very low. Population divergence along strong environmental Understanding these gastropods’ connectivity may gradients, if found, can lead to incipient speciation. provide important information regarding other One species that shows strong morphological nonpelagic species and help to associate and utilize divergence along environmental gradients is Metrosideros these patterns within the context of marine polymorpha (Myrtaceae, Gaud.). Pubescent populations conservation. (early-successional) in a common garden show heritable variation in flowering time along an Lori Tango elevational gradient, but glabrous populations (late- Effect of Rising Salinity on Egg and Larval Survival of the successional) do not. I examined neutral genetic Orange-black Hawaiian Damselfly variation to allow for a clearer look into the role of flowering time on population divergence along the Decreased ground-water flux associated with elevational gradient. Microsatellite markers were used urbanization and climate change have the potential to to estimate neutral genetic variation within and among increase the salinity of anchialine pools at Hawaii’s 5 pubescent and 2 glabrous populations of M. Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park (KAHO). polymorpha along an elevational gradient ranging These unique tidal coastal aquatic features posses an from700-2500ma.s.l.oneastHawai`iIsland. Given the endemic invertebrate fauna including candidate observed, heritable differences in phenology and endangered crustaceans and aquatic insects. To assess because distinct flowering times should limit allele some of the effects of rising salinities on anchialine exchange between populations, I expected that greater

Pac. Agric. Nat. Resour. Vol. 2: 37-42, 2010 Abstracts of TCBES Symposium 39 variation in allele frequencies would be observed due to apparent population declines, lack of knowledge among populations of pubescent trees along the concerning it distribution, and habitat loss. elevation gradient than among populations of glabrous Echolocation surveys indicated that Hawaiian hoary trees. Preliminary analyses reveal little genetic bats display striking seasonal movements along the structuring and high gene flow among populations. steep gradient of elevation across eastern Hawai`i Further analysis is underway including tests of isolation Island. Changes in temperature and rainfall are a likely by distance, allele frequency differences of glabrous cause for these migrations. However, the extent to and pubescent populations, and an analysis of rare which peaks in food correspond with the bat’s alleles found within populations. Results will yield migration has received little study. Here we present insight into the early stages of reproductive isolation preliminary data on insect phenology and abundance between populations and the roles of environmental across an annual cycle at five sites along a gradient of pressures and geographic isolation on diversification elevation. We link these insect data to echolocation within woody species. surveys to gain insights on how availability of prey corresponds with seasonal migratory movements. We Brett Rodomsky hypothesize that insect abundance will show a positive Quantification of Lava Texture as Evidence for Substrate correlation with bat vocalization activity. Data collected Control Over Plant Colonization Patterns from early April to August 2009 at two low elevation sites shows that as overall insect abundance increase The dynamic island of Hawai’i is an exceptional there is an increase in bat activity. Data collected at a system for study of ecological succession. Here, mid elevation site shows that in early April there is a volcanoes frequently extrude basaltic lava flows of ‘a’a, spike in insect activity, primarily Lepidoptera, while bat pahoehoe and intergraded lava textures, differing in occurrence is still relatively low. The following survey surface area and morphology. Nearly a century of in June shows an increase in bat occurrence and observations, hypotheses, and data indicate pioneering supports a hypothesis previously predicted by T. plants differentially colonize contemporaneous lavas Menard that bats migrate from high interior elevations depending on texture morphology. Variation in lava to coastal lowlands to reproduce in summer months. texture represents diversity of habitat available to pioneering plants. Conclusions about plant colonization patterns on different textures remain Erik Johnson & Ambyr Mokiao-Lee (Poster) confounded by existing interactions with climate Tracing Sewage-Derived Nutrients into a Coastal Zone in variables including moisture and temperature across Kapoho, Hawai’i hypsometric surface area. For this study on the 1855-56 Mauna Loa flow, I hypothesize that lava texture Worldwide, sewage effluent is a major source of measured at local (100 m2) and micro- (1 m2) spatial nutrients to coastal waters causing eutrophication. scales interacts with climate variables According to the U.S. Environmental Protection analogoustotopographyandclimateinteractingatlandscap Agency, cesspools are more widely used as a means of espatialscales. A topographic roughness metric will be domestic sewage disposal in Hawaii than any other applied to vegetation plot data collected at local and state in the country, with 77% of Hawaii County’s micro-spatial scales across lava roughness gradients. population being serviced by cesspools. One region on Hypsometric point-intercept data will be converted the southeast coast of Hawaii County where there has into Digital Elevation Models with GIS software. This been concern about sewage pollution since the methodology produces a quantified unit-less measure 1970’sisKapoho. The community of Kapoho is of ‘a’a and pahoehoe lava texture based on hypsometric designated a critical wastewater disposal area and also surface area. Lava roughness will then be used as a contains a Marine Life Conservation District within its predictor variable for plant colonization patterns. boundaries. Previous work by Hawaii Department of Variables such as slope, aspect, and flow accumulation Health documented that flow of cesspool wastewaters will be derived from DEMs and included in the lava into Kapoho Bay was rapid, ~20minutes. It is texture model. Ultimately, this study is an attempt to suspected that sewage-enriched groundwater is create a quantified model of lava texture correlated to entering the coastal zone and possibly contributing to associated vegetation data, in an attempt at increasing human health hazards and ecological damage. The goal understanding of substrate texture control over of the following study is to determine the source of pioneering plant colonization patterns on Hawai’i. nutrients into the area and the potential effect on the organisms and habitat. This was accomplished by Christopher Todd determining the sources of groundwater inputs and to Prey Abundance and Seasonal Movements of the Hawaiian date the transport of groundwater to Kapoho tidepools Hoary Bat (Lasiurua cinereus semotus) have been mapped and seepage areas have been identified. Additionally, preliminary water quality The Hawaiian Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) is samples have been collected from the region. Future the only terrestrial mammal native to the Hawaiian work will entail determining the source of nitrogen into Islands and currently is listed as an endangered species these coastal waters and its utilization by primary

Pac. Agric. Nat. Resour. Vol. 2: 37-42, 2010 40 Abstracts of TCBES Symposium producers examining stable nitrogen, oxygen, and clear look at the nursing behaviors of Hawaiian monk boron stable isotopes signature in sewage, groundwater, seals in the MHI, vital information for future oceanwater, and macroalgae. Information generated conservation efforts of the species. from this study will aid managers in creating a water quality database and thresholds for nutrients entering David Benitez marine environments. A Biogeographical Comparison of Invasive Forest Weeds in Hawai’i Narrissa Spies (Poster) Quantification of Calcium Binding Proteins from Skeletal Plant invasions are economically and ecologically Growth Anomalies in Montipora capitata costly. Research suggests a species may differ physiologically and ecologically between invasive and Skeletal growth anomalies (SGA) are protrusions on native ranges and these differences may enhance the coral skeleton that have been documented in invasiveness. I examined biogeographical growth and oceans worldwide. There is an unusually high incidence defense differences of three aggressive invaders in of SGA at the Wai’opae MLCD on Hawaii island. Very Hawaiian forests: the tree strawberry guava (Psidium little is known about the calcification process in healthy cattleianum), the shrub Koster’s curse (Clidemia hirta) and coral skeletons, and even less is known about how the herb cane tibouchina (Tibouchina herbacea). In SGA coral calcifies. Galaxin is a calcium-binding quarantine in Volcano, Hawai‘i, I tested the Evolution protein found in corals that is involved in of Increased Competitive Abilities (EICA) hypothesis skeletogenesis and calcification. Calcyclin is a calcium- postulating individuals from invasive (Hawaiian) binding protein that is involved in several cellular populations, and are faster growing than individuals processes and has been shown to be upregulated from native (South American) populations also less during tumor growth and formation. We will collect defended chemically and structurally. Seeds of focal samples from healthy and SGA Montipora capitata and taxa were collected in native ranges (Brazil and use real-time PCR to look for expression of calcyclin Venezuela) and introduced ranges (Hawai‘i) and grown and galaxin. This will tell us if expression of these in a common garden for 120-180 days. Plant height, proteins is up-regulated in SGA coral. mass and relative growth rates were quantified for 30 paired populations. Key structural traits leaf hair Melissa Netze (Poster) density and specific leaf area were quantified and Maternal Investment of Hawaiian Monk Seal [Monachus feeding trials with specialized insect pests are underway schauinslandi] Inhabiting the Main Hawaiian Islands to compare plant defenses. I found strong support of my first hypothesis; Hawaiian plants grew significantly Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) are larger than South American individuals in the common currently classified as critically endangered, with fewer garden, and Hawaiian plants were observed larger and than 1100 individuals remaining. Though managed as a more abundant during field collections. Initial single stock, there are six recognized subpopulations of defensive data is mixed and feeding trials are contrary Hawaiian monk seals located in the Northwest to my second hypothesis; suggesting alternate Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), and one spread throughout explanations divergent from leading invasive species the main Hawaiian Island chain (MHI). The population theory. A better understanding these differences can of Hawaiian monk seals located in the NWHI is improve our theoretical knowledge of invasions and declining at an annual rate of approximately4.5%. In help develop more effective control strategies. contrast, the MHI subpopulation is increasing, with a conservative estimated growth rate of about 5.6%. In Riley Bernard recent years, the growing population size, positive body Dietary Overlap: Possible Links Between an Invasive Frog and condition, and increased juvenile survival rate of Endemic Bat on the Island of Hawai’i Hawaiian monk seals inhabiting the MHI has prompted scientists to take a closer look at this On the Island of Hawai`i, one of the most subpopulation. The objective of this study is to prominent vertebrate invasions is the coquí frog, investigate the maternal investment of Hawaiian monk Eleutherodactylus coqui, which are extreme sit-and-wait seals inhabiting the MHI using four seasons of nursing predators that have the potential to reduce arthropod behavioral data. Previous studies how the recovery of a populations due to their voracious appetite. Aerial threatened or endangered species is strongly linked to arthropods such as Coleoptera, Homoptera, offspring survival, which is often positively correlated Lepidoptera and Isoptera, primary food sources of the with maternal investment. Here, nursing bout Hawaiian hoary bat, have been found in the stomach frequency and duration are compared by week to contents of coqui frogs in Hawai`i . Though not much investigate trends and patterns in nursing behaviors of is known on the habitat and foraging behaviors of the MHI seals. This study also examines what habitat is Hawaiian hoary bat, the ecological impacts of the most utilized for nursing, and the frequency of which invasive coquí frog may provide links between these the nursing bout is terminated by the mother. This two species. Due to the endangered status of Hawaiian study is the first of its kind, and provides managers a hoary bats, it is necessary to examine the potential for

Pac. Agric. Nat. Resour. Vol. 2: 37-42, 2010 Abstracts of TCBES Symposium 41 competion with the coquí frog. Goals of the proposed Ca(OH)2. These chemicals were chosen based on study are to examine dietary overlap between the coqui screening for mortality of a variety of chemicals by the frog and Hawaiian hoary bat through stomach contents Hawai’i State Department of Agriculture, however, the and fecal pellet analysis, while comparing bat mechanism of toxicity with dermal application is not abundance in locations of similar vegetation and known. Many other solutions with moderate pH are elevation with high- density coquí frog populations, to also effective, so pH alone must not be the only toxic locations with low-density or no coquí frog factor. The purpose of this research was determine populations. The objective of this study is to determine whether osmotic concentration, pH, or some other if the presence of coquí frogs in Hawai`i pose a threat property is the primary factor in effective- ness. The to endemic species, specifically the Hawaiian hoary bat, skin of most frogs is moist, highly permeable to water, via overlap of food resources. selectively permeable to certain ions, contains ion pumps, and serves as an organ of respiration and water Cary Deringer balance. 16% citric acid solutions act in tens of seconds, Breeding Phenology of Hawaiian Petrels [Pterodroma so it is likely that the ultimate toxic agent passes into sandwichensis] and Newell’s Shearwaters [Puffinus the blood stream and acts on the central nervous auricularis newelli] on Kaua’i, Hawai’i Using Ornithological system or heart. We used 6% citric acid for differential Radar, Auditory and Visual Surveys toxicity comparisons, and all solutions were standardized to be equimolar (.287M) with 6% citric Recovery of the endangered Hawaiian petrel and Acid. Na3citrate, NaCl, KCL, CaCl2, NaHCO3, threatened Newell’s shear- water relies upon effective KHCO3, as well as a control (dH2O) were used. Frogs management of known populations, which in turn were exposed, on the dorsal surface, to 1mL of a test depend upon efforts to study and monitor these solution. Heart rate and righting response were species. On Kaua`i, where traditional and preferred measured at 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 minutes after methods of measuring productivity, such as direct application. At the point of incipient death (heart rate counts of breeding birds, is often impractical to employ, <30bpm) or at 64 min, the frog was pithed and blood monitoring of both species has relied upon proxy was collected to measure hematocrit and plasma measures of movement rate using ornithological radar osmolality. Citric acid was the most effective of all and visual surveying. Interpreting results and making solutions. It was the only solution to cause death at the informed decisions about survey designs or concentration used in the experiment. Citric acid also implemented management actions is improved with an resulted in the depression of hematocrit and plasma understanding of how these proxy measures osmolality. Heart rate of frogs with citric acid declined correspond with breeding phenology. From March – progressively to the mortality endpoint. Heart rate December 2008, weekly ornithological radar (both from CaCl2 treatment declined then re- covered while species), auditory surveys (Newell’s shearwaters) and other compounds did not produce a significant change visual surveys (Hawaiian petrels) were undertaken to in heart rate or hematocrit. monitor intra-annual variation in movement and calling rates throughout an entire breeding season. Results were compared against current knowledge of Nicole DiManno breeding phenology. All three measures showed Reproductive Response of Ohi’a to Fertilization: Will the correlation with major breeding tasks, including Production of Flowers and Seeds Increase? decreased activity with pre-laying exodus and peak activity during chick-rearing and presence of non- A common characteristic of tropical forests is that breeders. Ornithological radar data consistently showed they tend to be nutrient limited relative to other the lowest coefficient of variation, suggesting this terrestrial ecosystems. Nutrient limitation is an method would have the greatest statistical strength as important factor to consider when attempting an annual monitoring tool, with incubation and guard management of these ecosystems, because the species surveys likely to yield reliable annual monitoring data. present have adapted to the infertile conditions and so The combination of radar, auditory and visual surveys any alteration to the supply of nutrients can severely provided most information when determining the change the present composition of the forest. Hawaii’s timing of breeding tasks for each species separately. island chain has been used as a model system to study the response of tropical plants to fertilization, because Charles Warr a nutrient gradient exists due to the variable ages of the Dermal Toxicity of Aqueous Solutes on [E. coqui] islands. Although numerous studies have been conducted using the sites along Hawaii’s nutrient Eleuthrodactylus coqui is invasive in Hawai’i and has gradient, reproductive response to nutrient additions established populations on Kaua’i, Oahu, Maui, and the has yet to be examined. The objective of my study is to Big Island, with densities ranging up to three times examine the reproductive response to fertilization of a those in native habitats. Efforts to control frog dominant native Hawaiian species, Metrosideros populations have focused on chemical spraying of 16% polymorpha, growing on nitrogen versus phosphorus- Citric Acid or suspensions of 3% hydrated lime, limited soils. The study will consist of three

Pac. Agric. Nat. Resour. Vol. 2: 37-42, 2010 42 Abstracts of TCBES Symposium experiments designed to test the hypothesis that addition of the limiting nutrient increases the: (1) production of reproductive structures, (2) nutrient concentration of reproductive structures, and (3) seedling fitness. Pilot data collection has shown an increased production of flowers and seeds when the limiting nutrient it added yet the trend is not significant (p=0.445). As humans continue to alter the nutrient cycling of tropical forests it is important to understand how the ecosystem as a whole is impacted. Obtaining knowledge pertaining to reproductive response has great value in determining the future of these forests.

Samuel Brooks The Effects of Non-native Riparian Vegetation on Hihiwai [Neritina granosa] Snail Ecology in Honolii

Habitat for hihiwai (Neritina granosa), a freshwater snail endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, may be declining due to changes caused by shading by invasive, non-native riparian vegetation. Once common throughout the Hawaiian Is- lands, hihiwai have diminished in numbers and are now found only in pristine streams. Understanding the relationship between ecosystem alterations and hihiwai distribution, abundance, and feeding behavior may aid in providing information to maintain their populations. This study examines hihiwai distribution, densities, feeding, and the effects of light availability in shaping benthic algal assemblages which may affect hihiwai habitat in Hawaiian streams. Results indicated that sun regions had greater densities of hihiwai when compared to shade. Based on chlorophyll-a pigment analysis, sun regions had higher levels of algal bioma ss than shade regions. In Hihiwai feeding choice trials, hihiwai preferred open sunny reaches of streams dominated by green algae compared with shade algae.

Pac. Agric. Nat. Resour. Vol. 2: 37-42, 2010