Bridging Coral Reef Science and Policy Objectives: A Case Study of Perceptions in the Main Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

Hawaii's coral reefs are valuable ecologically, economically and culturally. Yet, anthropogenic threats continue to degrade these ecosystems amid a plethora of scientific and policy frameworks designed for conservation. Literature argues the science-policy interface for coral reef conservation is broken and may be the demise of coral reefs. This study examines the history of coral reef science, the effectiveness of ocean policies, and the economic benefits of conservation to establish the background in Hawaiʻi. A 32.8% response rate of 506 coral reef scientists and managers in government, academic and non-government organizations participated in a professional opinion survey to determine if consensus exists as to the threats and the effectiveness of management strategies for coral reefs. Survey respondents perceived a breakdown in communication between scientists and managers, and that future management strategies should prioritize a preventative and precautionary, education and enforcement focus. Future coral reef conservation efforts depend on bridging these gaps.