Engineering Coastal Habitat: past, present and future of water and seabird habitat in Maunalua Bay

Abstract

Maunalua bay is home to many native water- and sea-birds despite global population declines and heavy urbanization in the area. However, if climate change trends continue with the NOAA projected sea-level rise of 1.1 feet by 2050, most of their nesting habitat will be underwater; therefore human-engineered habitat is required to allow these populations to persist in Maunalua Bay. Water- and sea-birds are crucial to the health of Maunalua Bay. They are apex predators, important bio-indicators of the health, contribute essential nutrients through guano, control invasive species, and have spiritual and cultural importance. In order for native bird populations to persist in Maunalua Bay in the face of climate change, the areas they inhabit will likely need human assistance in the form of human-engineered habitat. One area in Maunalua Bay has already been successful at providing beneficial human-engineered habitat for native seabirds: the Freeman Seabird Preserve at Black Point. Using Black Point as a model we will explore the past and present of these areas and the human-engineered habitat required at 5 areas of interest in Maunalua Bay to support native bird populations into the future. The 5 key areas are China Walls, Paikō Lagoon, Koko Marina/Kuapā Pond, Keawāwa Wetland and Maunalua Bay Beach Park.