Program on the Environment

Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing habitat for nearly one-fourth of all marine species and offering coastal protection and economic benefits to nearby communities. However, rising ocean temperatures have increased the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves, which are prolonged periods of high sea surface temperature that cause coral bleaching, a stress response where corals lose the algae that give them energy and color. The aim of this project was to analyze changes in coral cover in West Hawai‘i following major marine heatwaves and assess the extent of reef recovery over time. During my internship with the Seattle Aquarium, I used CoralNet, an artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis tool, to quantify coral cover from field survey images collected across multiple years. I then used the programming languages R and Python to visualize and analyze temporal patterns in coral cover change, comparing various differences among reef sites and identifying comprehensive patterns of coral loss and resilience. Results revealed a consistent decline in coral cover following periods of thermal stress, with only partial recovery observed in subsequent surveys. These findings highlight the vulnerability and ecological significance of not only Hawai‘i’s coral reefs but also marine ecosystems globally, emphasizing the urgent need for ongoing long-term monitoring, adaptive management, and data-driven conservation strategies to protect biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience in the face of accelerating climate change.