Emergency Restoration Action Saves Broken Coral
Honolulu – In an effort to salvage highly valuable corals severely damaged in Honolulu Harbor’s channel, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has taken emergency action to recover as many living pieces as possible. The damage took place two weeks ago and was caused by a dredging platform’s anchor and cable dragging over numerous coral colonies.
An emergency restoration is necessary to prevent additional damage. Freshly broken corals and reef substrate are susceptible to being moved around by surf and currents. This can cause further damage when corals roll and collide with other corals and substrate.
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Aquatic conservation staff have taken emergency action to restore damaged coral at Honolulu Harbor.
At least 17,500 square yards of coral was damaged in early May when contractor Healy Tibbets was conducting dredging work. They allegedly dragged the dredging platform’s anchor and cable across coral colonies.
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In response, divers with the DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources worked quickly to assess the damage, and find coral specimens that could either be reattached or brought to a coral nursery.
The DLNR said Monday they were focused on recovering as many living coral species as possible.
DLNR: Emergency coral rescue underway May 19, 2021, by Eldin Ganic
In an effort to salvage highly valuable corals severely damaged in Honolulu Harbor’s channel, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has taken emergency action to recover as many living pieces as possible.
The damage took place two weeks ago and was caused by a dredging platform’s anchor and cable dragging over numerous coral colonies, said DLNR.
An emergency restoration is necessary to prevent additional damage. Freshly broken corals and reef substrate are susceptible to being moved around by surf and currents. This can cause further damage when corals roll and collide with other corals and substrate, according to DLNR.