Kane Ohe Bay

Introduction
Kane’ohe Bay is home to a variety of marine organisms. They bay itself is constantly being modified by a variety of factors. The bay is exposed to freshwater input from several streams, oceanic influences from water surges over the fringing reef and through the two access channels, and experiences terrestrial runoff from the nearshore areas. Input from the freshwater streams provides nutrients, sediment and other materials into the bay. Pollutants are added to the bay from terrestrial runoff and land development. Kane’ohe Bay is also an area known to be a popular location for take of desirable aquarium fishes. This study focuses on the protected reef around Coconut Island and a single patch reef for species comparisons. Total,
Due to the prime location of the University of Hawai’i’s marine laboratory, this site is well known for many scientific studies (KBay Snap Report). Coconut Island is a Marine Laboratory Refuge fully protected from fishing, although limited take for scientific purposes is permitted (Effects of Habitat…Hawaiian Archipelago). The Hawai’i Marine Laboratory Refuge consists of the reefs and bay waters surrounding Coconut Island located in Kane’ohe Bay from the high water mark on the island seaward to 25 feet beyond the outer edges of the reefs (Site). Marine reserves were traditionally created to protect populations of marine species. Ultimately, these areas provide greater stability in populations of exploited species and are incorporated into a variety of management systems (Sladek Nowlis and Roberts 1999; Sladek Nowlis 2000; Sladek Nowlis and Friedlander 2003). Marine reserves are effective at protecting and maintaining the quality of fish habitat as well as minimize the direct effects of fishing (Bohnsack 1996; Bohnsack and Ault 1996; Auster and Shackell 1997; Yoklavich, 1998). (Effects of Habitat…Hawaiian Archipelago). It has been shown that successful implementation of marine reserves is intimately based on location, distribution, and extent of habitats necessary for components of an ecosystem to
Organisms that could cause harm include jellyfish, sea urchins, various fishes and corals. It is recommended to take caution while in the water to avoid any hazardous organisms. Take care to avoid sticking hands in crevices of corals to avoid scraping yourself or organisms that may be lurking. If stung by a jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war, remove the tentacles from the stinging location… If you are not a strong swimmer, or if you are uncomfortable in the water at any time, it is recommended that you wear a life