Coral reefs are the second most diverse and biologically complex ecosystems on earth.  Coral reefs account for less than 1% of our oceans substrate and yet contain 25% of all of it's life.  Coral reefs have been dubbed “the rainforests of the sea” because of the abundance and diversity of marine life.  They are home to as many as 2 million species of plants and animals. 

Today, coral reefs are vanishing faster than rainforests.  Globally, the coral reefs we have already lost would equal 240 million hectares of forest.  In comparison, that’s like losing half of the Amazon.  All of the worlds coral reefs are currently threatened, mainly through a variety of human activities.

Hawaii contains 80% of all the coral reef under U.S. jurisdiction.  Hawaii’s coral reefs are unique due to geographic isolation.  One quarter of the marine life here are endemic (found nowhere else on earth) and scientists are finding new species regularly.

The island of Maui, which is home to the American Reef Coalition, is the second largest island in the State of Hawaii.  Maui County is actually comprised of 5 islands; Maui, Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai and over 1,000 square miles of ocean.  Certain coral reefs surrounding these Islands are being stressed by invasive species of non-native fish and algae.  Some areas are being choked by marine debris and poisoned by pollution from various sources.

While monitoring a stretch of shoreline along the island of Lanai in 2008, we discovered the largest bloom of Neomeris Annulata (algae) ever recorded in the state of Hawaii.  Globally, natural environments are changing and degrading faster than ever before and these changes must be noticed and documented in order to determine the cause.

It’s not too late!  By monitoring coral reefs, the cause and effect equation can be solved and steps can be taken to reduce the damaging effects of human impact on this immensely significant resource for our planet. 

We currently have scientific permits from the state of Hawaii for permanent transect monitoring sites along 4 miles of Maui's south shore.  Beginning in an area that was devastated by invasive algal blooms and ending in an area of comparatively pristine coral reef.  As part of Hawaii's "Eyes of the Reef" network, we also monitor dozens of coral reefs around our islands.  Monitoring can provide an early warning system of ecosystem degradation and provide time, information and opportunity to turn it around.

If you would like to help, You can donate time, you can donate funds or you can do both by joining the American Reef Coalition as a Crew Member.  Come to Maui and help us save the planet, one coral reef at a time.  Without your donations, none of our work would be possible.