Mud Damages Hawaiian Coral Reefs

Large-scale poster describing USGS work.

Scientists from the USGS, the University of Hawaiʻi (UH), and the University of Washington (UW) are studying the coral reefs near several Hawaiian islands. Using air photos, satellite photos, underwater photos, and underwater instruments, we've found that mud washed offshore by large storms can damage coral reefs. Corals need sunlight and clear water to grow. When sunlight is blocked by muddy water, the corals stop growing and sometimes die.