Hawaii’s Coral Reefs Are Unique
Hawaii was created a millennia ago, by volcanic activity in the middle
of the ocean. It is the most isolated island chain to be found
anywhere, and is over 2,000 miles away from any other island group or
land mass. It is this isolation that has, over the centuries, insulated
the islands from the environmental changes that have affected the rest
of the planet. Located in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean the
islands are away from the major ocean currents, so, many forms of marine
life are unable to reach the islands. The wide variety of these life
forms cannot be found anywhere else. About a quarter of the fish
species, reef building corals, sponges and marine snails that can be
seen here, are not to be found anywhere else in the world.
Along with the centuries old reefs that are going through their natural
life cycle, recent lava flows, particularly on the Big Island, are
contributing to the formation of new reefs and new communities of sea
creatures. What you will find, when snorkeling here is unique, and is an
experience to be treasured.
How You Can Protect the Coral Reefs
Hawaii’s coral reefs are fragile and visitors need to take care not to damage them. Here are a few tips you can follow, when diving and snorkeling, to protect them.
- Do not walk or stand upon the reefs. Any pressure of this kind will destroy the living coral that work to build and replenish the coral structure.
- Do not touch or try to break off a piece of coral to take home as a souvenir. Not only will you be destroying the reefs, these actions are illegal in Hawaii.
- Do not feed the fish. Any artificial food source that enters the ecosystem can have a huge impact on their natural cycle. The food you give could hurt the fish and even if it does not, it could lead to them becoming dependent on artificial sources of sustenance, which will change their metabolism. It can also cause normally passive species to become aggressive in their demands for food.
- Do not touch, pick up or hold any of the marine life you may come across. Many of the inhabitants of the reefs have very delicate suction systems to adhere to the coral and pulling them away can cause serious injury. Many of the inhabitants of the reef depend on camouflage to protect themselves and disturbing them can upset their natural life cycles. It should also be noted that some marine creatures will attack if they feel threatened. For instance, the normally quiet octopus can bite hard with its sharp beak if it feels itself in danger.
- When buying coral, fish or other marine items to take home, ensure that your purchases are only done from approved sources that use sustainable collection methods.
- Perhaps the most important action you can take to protect the reefs is to charter a qualified and experienced boat and crew, to take you snorkeling. They not only know the best places to visit, they understand the need for using sustainable snorkeling practices so that when you leave, the coral is as beautiful as it was when you arrived. A simple case in point, will explain the kind of damage carelessness can cause. An anchor dropped on top of the coral can shatter it and destroy a huge volume of marine life.
- The basic thumb rule is to see, take photos, do not touch and leave only bubbles behind when you depart.
