NWHI Ecosystem Connectivity, Apex Predator Movement, and Coral Health Assessment Expedition, May 2006

Onboard the NOAA Ship Hi‘ialakai • May 18 to June 11, 2006

Small image of NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai.From May 19th through June 11th 2006, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Ship Hi`ialakai (“embracing pathways to the sea,” pictured to left), will be conducting a research expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) (see a map in a new window). The expedition includes ecosystem connectivity research, apex predator (jacks, sharks, grey snapper) tagging and movement studies, as well as coral health assessment missions. The ship will travel to Nihoa and French Frigate Shoals in the NWHI, then 500 miles south to Johnston Atoll. Johnston Atoll is the closest shallow water habitat south of the isolated Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and is believed to be a “stepping stone” by which organisms from the South Pacific have spread to the Hawaiian Archipelago. Many species, such as Acropora table corals, common in the South Pacific are only found at French Frigate Shoals and the surrounding areas in the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Image of the research team onboard NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai.

The team: 20 scientists from HIMB, NWHICRER, USGS and DAR assembled in the ship’s dry lab, discussing the upcoming research expedition. (Click on it to open the full version.)

During the expedition, Dr. Malia Rivera, Outreach Specialist for the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, will be sending back reports, including photos and podcasts, from the voyage. For the first leg of the voyage to French Frigate Shoals, Honolulu Advertiser Science Writer, Jan Tenbruggencate, will also be reporting live from the ship.

Watch to our podcasts

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Visit the NWHI Multi-agency Educational Project Website for:

 

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