Star-Bulletin file photo
Coral reefs can be damaged seriously by ocean debris such
as this anchor and cable that were found off
Waikiki earlier this year.

Aquarium curator
speaks up for reefs

$100 million in a
congressional bill would help
save coral ecosystems

Sea snake gets a new home

By Alisa LaVelle
Star-Bulletin

Because more than 80 percent of the coral reefs in the United States exist in Hawaiian waters, "we need to do everything we can to protect this precious resource," says Cynthia Hunter, Waikiki Aquarium curator.

Hunter testified yesterday in support of the Coral Reef Protection Act of 1999 before a congressional committee in Washington.

Introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye, the measure sets aside $100 million over a period of five years and dedicates the money to preserve, sustain and restore the health of U.S. coral reef ecosystems.

Hunter said $10 million a year will come to the Pacific reefs" during the period. "This is not much if you compare it to the Natatorium restoration or what the Hawaii Visitors Bureau spends," she said.

Coral reefs, considered the rain forests of the sea, are under increasing pressure from human activities, pollution, overfishing and global warming, environmental experts say.

"There is a positive need," said Richard Grigg, University of Hawaii research professor who is considered a specialist on coral reefs.

He said Florida reefs were considered healthy 10 years ago.

"Now, over the last five to seven years, there have been real problems for those reefs," Grigg said. "Hawaii is in good shape now, but things could change very rapidly, so we should stay on top of management."

Grigg said people are uncomfortable with restricting fishing to save coral reefs, but should remember that coral reefs make it possible for life to exist as we know it.

The reef provides a home and food for more than 5,000 species of fish and invertebrates.

"About 25 percent of those are endemic to Hawaii," said Bill Devick, Department of Land and Natural Resources Aquatic Resources Division acting administrator, in an interview.

He estimates the capital value of the coral reefs at more than $100 billion. In connection with Hawaii tourism, he estimates $1 billion in value.

"Coral reefs are taken for granted in Hawaii," Devick said. "This act will help make sure the quality of the reefs are maintained."

The money from the bill would make it possible for better assessment and monitoring of coral reefs, educating the public, enforcing regulations, and training scientist and managers of coral reefs.

"There are only a handful of people who know and can identify algae species and coral reefs," Hunter said. "There is nearly zero funds for education."

The Waikiki Aquarium lost its funding three years ago for coral reef education and the university's outlook is dismal, Hunter said.

"All the non-governmental agencies have tried to pick up the slack, but they're strapped for funds."

Paul Jokiel, who has been studying coral reefs since 1969, said that the reefs "took a back seat" but came to the forefront because of the presidential executive order and Coral Reef Task Force.

"On a global scale, there is tremendous concern because of the rapid declines," Jokiel, UH research professor, said. "We need to be pro-active."

Jokiel said global warming can kill massive amounts of coral reef.

"What we will see is the loss of things like Haunama Bay," Jokiel said.

The coral reef bill is expected to go before the full Congress in October, Hunter said.

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SEA SNAKE BY THE SEASHORE

Photo courtesy of Waikiki Aquarium

A sea snake that washed ashore last February in Kahaluu
has a new home at the Waikiki Aquarium.

Wayward serpent survives ordeal

Gets new home at Waikiki Aquarium

By Alisa LaVelle
Star-Bulletin

The first venomous sea snake in Hawaii in more than a decade is undulating its 3-foot-long body in a new permanent display at the Waikiki Aquarium.

The yellow-bellied sea snake washed ashore last February in Kahaluu and was found by local resident Phil Kelly, who turned it over to the aquarium.

Since then, aquarium biologists Alan Nelson and Jerry Crow have been carefully -- very carefully -- nursing the specimen back to health.

"Obviously you're not going to force feed this venomous snake, at least I'm not," Nelson said. "So you've got to get the animal to take (medication and food) on its own."

Nelson relied on books and his own observations to help in rehabilitating the sea snake, which was injured and oddly bent when discovered.

"Alan and Jerry, skilled as they are, saw the animal and learned what to do to keep it alive," said aquarium curator Cynthia Hunter.

Usually found in the Pacific and Indian oceans, the yellow-bellied sea snake -- whose scientific name is Pelamis platurus -- probably got carried here by strong winds and currents.

"It seems that El Nino weather might have something to do with the snake being in Hawaiian waters," aquarium director Bruce Carlson said.

The last yellow-bellied sea snake in Hawaii, found here in 1982 and displayed at the aquarium until dying about three years later, came after El Nino weather.

The snake's venom is much more powerful than a cobra's, but is used only to capture and subdue food.

"It's docile and shy," Carlson said. "No bites have ever been reported in Hawaii."

The yellow-bellied sea snake is an air-breathing reptile, but is completely adapted to life in the open ocean. Its lungs and circulation allow it to dive as deep as 60 feet and stay underwater for 90 minutes.

According to the aquarium, the yellow-bellied sea snake is the most widespread snake on Earth. It crisscrosses tropical oceans and rides currents that carry floating debris. Occasionally, it is carried into shallow waters by strong winds. Adults can be 4 feet long.

"There are no breeding populations near Hawaii," Carlson said.

The aquarium worked with Honolulu Zoo staff to treat the recently found specimen. Zoo veterinarian Ben Okimoto took X-rays and determined the antibiotic treatment that was needed.

To administer the medication, biologists injected live fish with the antibiotic, placed them between tongs, and put them in front of the snake.

AQUATIC COUSINS

Is that a sea snake or an eel? Here are some characteristics to help tell the difference.

Sea snake:
Rarely seen close to shore.
Black on top with yellow belly, spots on tail only.
Air-breathing reptile, must surface to breathe.
Valved nostrils high on the head.
Body has a tapered belly and flattened tail.
Has fine scales that fit like bricks.

Snake eel:
Commonly seen close to shore.
White with black spots or bands on whole body.
A fish with gills, does not surface.
Tubelike nostrils point down.
Body and tail are rounded.
No scales, skin is smooth and slippery.

Source: Waikiki Aquarium