The physiography and marine fauna of inshore and intertidal areas in the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Abstract

This report describes the physiography and marine fauna of waters enclosed by the boundaries of the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site from the high tide mark to approximately 150 m from shore. Line transect and qualitative methods were employed to sample the benthic and demersal macrofauna within biotopes ranging from brackish pools to coral patch reefs. Spot checks were also made outside the survey site for comparative purposes.

With few exceptions, the reef ecosystem within the site is depauperate. About half as many species of fish (63) were observed as were previously reported (111 species) in an area a few hundred meters seaward of the site. Grey reef, blacktip, and whitetip reef sharks were commonly seen breaking the surface near the presumed site of the Hale o Kapuni heiau. The sharks may have been attracted by the warm waters of the site and/or to the large schools of juvenile mullet seen within these waters.

Striking gradients in diversity and distribution of benthic invertebrates were typically correlated with substrate and water quality factors. Corals in the site were under moderate to heavy siltation stress and inshore areas were dominated by opportunistic species. Recommendations to stabilize and improve the reef ecosystem are given.