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NameA Coupled Climate-Ecosystem Observatory Along Elevational Gradients on Windward and Leeward Hawaii Island
DescriptionA series of climate stations and permanent vegetation plots, used to examine conditions now, and to follow over the long-term, to be able to study how climate interacts with forest growth, mortality, and species composition; contains two elevation gradients, one in windward side and one in leeward side.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSFS, UCLA, DLNR
ContactsBecky Ostertag, ostertag@hawaii.edu
NameApplication of Latest IPCC Climate Models to Forecast Possible Marine Ecosystem Changes in the North Pacific Over the 21st Century (1 of 2)
DescriptionCoral reef ecosystem health is highly impacted by ocean temperature variability. The NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (CRED) has been recording subsurface temperature data from various habitats (forereef, backreef, and lagoon) and depth ranges (1 – 35 m) in coral reef environments from around the Pacific in disparate oceanographic regimes for 10 years. To better understand subsurface temperature variability across various habitat, depth, and regional oceanographic conditions, these data need to be analyzed in the context of seasonal to interannual variability, for correlations of regional to basin scale forcing mechanisms, and compared to remotely sensed products, which is currently the scientific standard for assessing thermal conditions on coral reefs.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Proposed
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesNOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)
ContactsJamie Gove, jamison.grove@noaa.gov Russell Brainard, rusty.brainard@noaa.gov
NameApplication of Latest IPCC Climate Models to Forecast Possible Marine Ecosystem Changes in the North Pacific Over the 21st Century (2 of 2)
DescriptionTake output from the latest IPCC climate models that include a phytoplankton component and use various approaches to project possible high trophic level impacts. The approaches include: i) a biome approach; ii) driving ecosystem/fisheries models with phytoplankton output from the climate model; and iii) a size spectrum model approach.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Proposed
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
Lead AgenciesNOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)
ContactsJeffrey Polovina, jeffery.polovina@noaa.gov Phoebe Woodworth, phoebe.woodworth@noaa.gov
NameAssessing Climate Change Effects on Forest Bird Populations in the Alakai, Kauai
DescriptionUses population counts since the mid-1980s, blood samples, some mosquito counts, and changes in temperature and streamflow to assess the effect of climate change on forest birds in the Alakai, Kauai.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/PIERC, UH
ContactsGordon Tribble, gtribble@usgs.gov
NameChanges in Distribution and Abundance of Native Forest Birds in High Elevation Habitat on Hawaii Island
DescriptionRecent research has shown that high elevation forests critical to the persistence of native Hawaii forest birds may be disproportionately susceptible to climate change. Begin long-term quarterly sampling of birds from Hakalau Forest NWR to document the response of this important bird community to a changing climate.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/BRD/PIERC
ContactsPatrick Hart, Patrick_J_Hart@usgs.gov
NameClimate Change and Pacific Island Water Resources
DescriptionWe are taking a three-tiered approach to examine how changes in precipitation will impact stream flow and habitat. The first tier is a space for time substitution, where are sampling various parameters in streams located along a naturally occurring steep precipitation gradient (2500-6000 mm/yr). The second tier involves remeasuring those parameters over to document inter and intra annual variation. The third tier incorporates all of the above data into a model (DHSVM) to forecast the impacts of climate change on stream ecosystems.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSFS/PSW, State of Hawaii DAR, UH Manoa, UH Hilo, Kamehameha Schools, Michigan State University
ContactsRich MacKenzie, rmackenzie@fs.fed.us
NameClimate Variability Influences on Trends in Streamflow and Precipitation Records at Selected Sites in the Pacific Islands Region
DescriptionAnalysis of streamflow and precipitation trends during different phases of ENSO and PDO at selected sites in Hawaii, American Samoa, and Western Pacific islands. Trends will be analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests and spectral analysis.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and Drought
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/PIWSC, USGS/PIERC, Pacific RISA
ContactsDelwyn Oki, dsoki@usgs.gov Lisa Miller, ldmiller@usgs.gov Victoria Keener, KeenerV@EastWestCenter.org
NameCoral Reef Temperature Anomaly Database
DescriptionThe CoRTAD contains a collection of sea surface temperature (SST) and related thermal stress metrics, developed specifically for coral reef ecosystem applications but relevant to other ecosystems as well. The CoRTAD contains global, approximately 4 km resolution SST data on a weekly time scale from 1981 through 2010.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
  • Pacific Basin
  • Global
Lead AgenciesNOAA National Oceanographic Data Center
ContactsKenneth Casey, Kenneth.Casey@noaa.gov
NameCoral Resilience in Hotter, More Acidic Oceans
DescriptionMechanisms of coral calcification and the synergistic impacts of temperature, carbonate chemistry and feeding on coral growth and survival.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
  • Pacific Basin
Lead AgenciesNOAA, NPS
ContactsRob Toonen, toonen@hawaii.edu
NameDeveloping a DST for Understanding Impacts of Climate Change and Invasive Species on Watershed Function and Aquatic Habitat Quality
DescriptionWe are working with to develop a user-friendly decision support tool that will identify what, where and when specific management actions are needed to increase the resilience of Pacific Island landscapes. We have fully parameterized and calibrated a Distributed Hydrology, Soils, Vegetation Model (DHSVM), which we have used to model how various climate and invasive species scenarios will impact water yield.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSFS, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii State Division of Aquatic Resources, Kamehameha Schools
ContactsRich MacKenzie, rmackenzie@fs.fed.us
NameEffect of Groundwater Pumping and Climate Change on Ancialine Ponds in West Hawaii
DescriptionExperimental tests of tolerances native Hawaiian damselflies and shrimp to a range of salinity. As sea level rises and/or precipitation and groundwater flows decrease in West Hawaii, the ability of native pool fauna to survive in anchialine pools will depend partly on salinity tolerance. Use experimental data on the sensitivity of aquatic invertebrates in anchialine ponds to assess how climate change will affect their habitat.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/PIERC, NPS, UC Berkeley
ContactsDavid Foote, DFoote@usgs.gov
NameEnvironmental Change and Coral Symbiosis
Description1) Genetic diversity of Symbiodinium communities across a gradient of thermal stress anomalies on Oahu and NWHI. 2) Metabolomics response of coral-symbiodinium associations under different environmental conditions.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUH/Hilo, NOAA
ContactsRuth Gates, rgates@hawaii.edu
NameField Monitoring and Analysis of Climate Change Across a Wide Range of Ecosystems in Hawaii
DescriptionThe goal of this project is to ensure continued operation and maintenance of the HaleNet climate observation network, including field operations, equipment maintenance and replacement, sensor recalibration, data communication improvements, data screening and archival, data analysis, and dissemination of results. HaleNet consists of two transects of climate stations along the leeward and windward slopes of Haleakala volcano, Maui Island, Hawaii. All but two stations in the network are within Haleakala National Park.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUniversity of Hawaii, NPS
ContactsTom Giambelluca, thomas@hawaii.edu
NameFuture Distribution of Cloud Forests and Associated Species in Hawaii
DescriptionThis project will predict future distributions of cloud forests and species across high mountain ecosystems in Hawaii. Hawaii’s cloud forests represent the last remaining intact habitat for many endangered forest bird species and are critical to watershed function on all islands. This project will provide future distribution models by integrating products from a climate-vegetation network on Haleakala with new regional downscaling of future climate projections.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesU of Wisconsin, U of Hawaii, U of Colorado
ContactsSara Hotchkiss, sara@geology.wisc.edu
NameFuture Wind and Wave Projections for NPS and USFWS Managed Islands in the Pacific
DescriptionThe goal of this proposed effort is to use GCM and coupled numerical wave model output to provide 3-hourly data and statistical measures (mean and top 5% values) of wave height, wave period, wave direction, wind speed, and wind direction for 15 DOI-managed coastal assets (parks and refuges) in the Pacific Ocean for the recent past (1996-2005) and future projections (2026-2045 and 2085-2100). These data are needed as baseline physical information for these DOI-managed assets, as winds and waves are the dominant spatially- and temporally-varying processes that influence coastal morphology and ecosystem structure, and can impact coastal infrastructure, natural and cultural resources, and coastal-related economic activities (e.g., fishing and tourism).(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
  • Pacific Basin
Lead AgenciesU.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
ContactsCurt D. Storlazzi, cstorlazzi@usgs.gov Li H. Erikson, lerikson@usgs.gov
NameGene Expression Analyses of Temperature Adaptation and Stress in Native Animals
DescriptionIdentifying techniques for rapid assessment of stress due to temperature or other factors before population decline.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUniversity of Hawaii/Hilo, USGS/BRD
ContactsDonald Price, donaldp@hawaii.edu
NameGenetic Diversity of Corals and Resilience
DescriptionCorals in patch reefs at Pearl & Hermes Atoll, French Frigate Shoals, and Kaneohe Bay genotyped with environmental sensors in situ (Temp, Ph, Salinity).(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUH/HIMB, NOAA
ContactsSteve Karl, skarl@hawaii.edu
NameGroundwater Tracers to Evaluate Connection Between Inland and Coastal Groundwater Systems, Kona Area, Island of Hawaii
DescriptionSince 1970, west Hawaii has experienced a population increase of about 83 percent and the fastest economic growth on Hawaii Island, although the effects of development on groundwater resources remain uncertain. At issue among stakeholders is whether urban development over, or withdrawals of freshwater from, the high-level groundwater system will adversely affect the coastal groundwater system, which itself is developed for municipal, agricultural, and industrial uses and which sustains aquatic resources. The results from this study will help water managers and other stakeholders to better understand potential risks to coastal water resources associated with groundwater withdrawals from, and development over, the inland high-level groundwater system. This study is consistent with the USGS mission to provide a clearer knowledge of the status of water resources; specifically, the likely changes in land use, land cover, and water use on water quality and ecosystem health.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and Drought
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/PIWSC
ContactsDelwin Oki, dsoki@usgs.gov
NameHawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan
DescriptionThe Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) sets forth guiding principles and recommendations for the State of Hawaii to achieve comprehensive and integrated ocean and coastal resources management. Section 205A-62, Hawaii Revised Statutes, charges the Office of Planning, Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program, with the review and periodic update of the ORMP, as well as coordination of overall implementation of the plan. The ORMP was recently updated in July of 2013, and continues a place-based approach to management of ocean resources in the islands, based on recognition of the ecological connections between the land and sea, the link between human activities and its impacts on the environment, and the need for improved collaboration and stewardship in natural resources governance.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Completed
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesState of Hawaii Office of Planning/Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program
Contactshttp://planning.hawaii.gov/czm/
NameHigh Resolution Climate Model for Hawaii
DescriptionThis project is developing a regional dynamical model with high resolution over islands at a scale that is ecologically relevant to management of natural and cultural resources. This will enable direct estimation of future climate at conservation sites, inform species distribution modeling, and species and site management planning. The model will be useful for high islands in Mariana Islands, Samoa, and Micronesia as well as Hawaii.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesIPRC, UH/SOEST, Pacific RISA
ContactsKevin Hamilton, kph@hawaii.edu
NameICAP Sea-Level Rise Policy Study
DescriptionThe goal of the Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy Sea-level Rise Policy Study project was to increase community resiliency to the climate impacts of sea-level rise. Building on the scientific research of Dr. Charles Fletcher, this project incorporated input from state decision-makers as it identified best practices and policy options for adaptation. The project was unique in its iterative methodology, specifically designed to engage decision-makers and incorporate their feedback at multiple points throughout the process of developing adaptation strategies and policy tools.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Completed
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesCenter for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP), NOAA Pacific Services Center
ContactsICAP, icap@hawaii.edu Leslie Ricketts, lricketts@hawaii.edu Adam Stein, adam.stein@noaa.gov
NameImpacts of Rising Mean Annual Temperature on Terrestrial Carbon Cycling in Model Forests
DescriptionCarbon storage in the terrestrial biosphere exceeds that in the atmosphere by a factor of four, and represents a dynamic balance among carbon input, allocation, and loss. This balance is being altered by climate change, with important implications for terrestrial carbon storage and, hence, atmospheric CO2 levels and global climate. However, the response of terrestrial carbon cycling to warming remains poorly quantified, especially in the tropics. This is particularly important because tropical forests account for a ~40% of global terrestrial carbon storage and ~35% of global terrestrial productivity and, as such, tropical forests play a very important role in regulating global climate. This study is examining how rising mean annual temperature will impact carbon input, allocation, loss, and storage in native Hawaiian wet forests along a 5.2°C mean annual temperature gradient. Results from the research along this model ecological gradient will enhance capacity to predict how terrestrial ecosystems, in particular tropical forests, will respond to warming over the next century.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Global
Lead AgenciesDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Management - University of Hawaii at Manoa, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry - USDA Forest Service
ContactsCreighton Litton, litton@hawaii.edu Christian Giardina, cgiardina@fs.fed.us
NameIntegrated Management of Maui Water Resources under Future Climate Conditions
DescriptionThis project has three components: 1) Examine climate-sensitive decisions related to fresh water management in the Iao Watershed on Maui Island, and to support implementation of the Maui Water Budget with the Maui County Department of Water Supply. Specific questions being addressed include: a) What climate-sensitive decisions are stakeholders making about fresh water management? b) What climate information do/could they use to support their decision making? and c) What capabilities do they have to use climate information?; 2) Produce downscaled climate projections for the island of Maui using statistical and numerical modeling; 3) Use downscaled projections of local climatic conditions together with stochastic hydrologic models to assess the sustainability of ground water resources in the Iao Watershed.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and Drought
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesEast-West Center (EWC), International Pacific Research Center (IPRC), Water Resources Research Center (WRRC)
ContactsMelissa Finucane, EWC, finucanm@eastwestcenter.org Victoria Keener, EWC, keener@eastwestcenter.org Aly El-Kadi, UH WRRC, elkadi@hawaii.edu Kevin Hamilton, IPRC, kph@hawaii.edu
NameLearning from Traditional Ecological Knowledge to Understand Climate Change Impacts and Preserve Key Cultural and Natural Resources in Kaupulehu, Hawaii
DescriptionUsing biocultural and participatory approaches, we will carry out an in-depth study of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in Kaupulehu, Hawaii Island. We will identify: TEK-relevant to climate and environmental change; the biological and cultural resources most valued by community members; and coping mechanisms, adaptation strategies and resources that promote social-ecological resiliency.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUH Manoa
ContactsTamara Ticktin, ticktin@hawaii.edu
NameLong Range Transport Planning by Hawaii DOT and OahuMPO to Address Long Term Asset Management of Coastal Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
DescriptionLong range transport planning (23 USC 134 & 135) by Hawaii DOT and OahuMPO to address long term asset management of coastal infrastructure vulnerabilities.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesHawaii DOT, OahuMPO
ContactsKen Tatsuguchi, Ken.Tatsuguchi@hawaii.gov Dean Nakagawa, Dean.Nakagawa@hawaii.gov Brian Gibson, Brian.Gibson@oahumpo.org
NameLow-Flow Regionalization of Streams in Hawaii - Phase 1
DescriptionIn Hawaii, management of the surface-water resources for many streams is problematic because of a lack of information on the availability of water during low-flow conditions. Knowledge of low-flow characteristics is fundamental to establishing reasonable and defensible instream-flow standards. Furthermore, the use of stream water for agriculture and municipal purposes, protection of traditional and customary Hawaiian rights, maintenance of ecologic balance, aesthetic differences between dry and flowing streams, and recreational use of the streams are factors that play a role in planning and management decisions by many agencies.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/Pacific Islands Water Science Center
ContactsChui Ling Cheng, ccheng@usgs.gov
NameManagement of Critically Endangered Dry Forest Ecosystems: A Quantitative Modeling Approach Incorporating Landscape Ecology, Fire Fuels Information and Geospatial Products
DescriptionWe will model plot-based information on fuel loading, restoration treatments, and plant communities to the landscape level. This will allow us to develop scenario modeling based on land management goals (i.e., restoration of threatened and endangered habitat, fire prevention, and/or combinations of any or all of the above) and threats (invasive species, climate change, land-use change). Allows us to estimate potential fire behavior under a variety of restoration and/or climate change scenarios.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSFS, UH Manoa, DoD, CEMML, Carnegie Institution
ContactsSusan Cordell, scordell01@fs.fed.us
NameMarine Ecosystem Response to Environmental Changes
DescriptionLong-term monitoring of physical and chemical water characteristics and benthic and pelagic community structure at two established marine plots in west Hawaii island.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUH Hilo
ContactsSteven Colbert, colberts@hawaii.edu
NameModeling Climate-driven Changes to Dominant Vegetation in the Hawaiian Islands
DescriptionThis study will use quantitative vegetation plot data to model dominant vegetation composition. Rather than model probability of occurrence, we aim to generate species-specific models of abundance based on independent variables (rainfall, elevation, substrate age, slope, etc.) using multivariate methods. Species abundance models can then be applied to adjusted climate landscapes in concert with ongoing climate model downscaling efforts. Additional data on growth, reproductive, and dispersal rates of focal species will inform the rates of different species transitions. This will permit us to predict changes to individual dominant species such that the combined models will elucidate potential dominant vegetation even for non-analog climates.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUH Hilo, USGS/PIERC
ContactsJonathan Price, jpprice@hawaii.edu James D Jacobi, jjacobi@usgs.gov
NameMonitoring Marine Biodiversity in the Pacific Islands
DescriptionChanges in biodiversity and the impacts to marine calcifiers are biological responses to climatic trends in the Pacific. An established systematic and standardize tool currently used to monitor biodiversity in the Pacific is the Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structure (ARMS). ARMS were developed by the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (CRED) as part of the Census of Marine Life’s Census of Coral Reefs project. ARMS are a long-term collecting device designed to mimic the structural complexity of a coral reef and attract colonizing invertebrates. Through taxonomic identification and mass sequencing technologies they provide a consistent and comparable method to measure and monitor the biodiversity of these understudied organisms over time. They enhance ecosystem-based management and increase the ability to monitor and predict ecological impacts in response to natural and anthropogenic stressors. In conjunction with measured climatic variables such as temperature and salinity, ARMS could help advance our understanding of the relationship between climate variables and biodiversity. Currently, over 500 ARMS units are placed strategically throughout the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans with the majority at sites in the Pacific. To help facilitate the data produced from each ARMS unit, an ARMSbase web-enabled biodiversity information system has been proposed. The ARMSbase would house all information related to the ARMS which would include all metadata related to deployment, retrieval, and processing as well as the raw taxonomic and molecular sequence information. This information can then be applied and related to physical climate variables collected across the Pacific to investigate the relationships between biodiversity and Pacific climate trends.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Proposed
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesNOAA/PIFSC/CRED, JIMAR
ContactsAnnette DesRochers, Annette.DesRochers@noaa.gov Russell Brainard, Rusty.Brainard@noaa.gov
NameMonthly ENSO Discussions, Seasonal Rainfall Outlooks and Sea Level Discussion
DescriptionThe PEAC Center conducts a monthly conference call that discusses monthly sea level, the ENSO state, the PEAC rainfall outlook, and island reports from around the South Pacific.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
Lead AgenciesNational Weather Service, PEAC Center
ContactsLTJG G. Carl Noblitt , peac@noaa.gov
NameOcean Acidification and Impacts on Living Marine Resources within the Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench and Pacific Remote Island Areas National Marine Monuments
DescriptionThis is a NOAA Hollings scholar project hosted by the NMFS Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center in the June-July 2011 time frame. It is basically an undergraduate project on ocean acidification and impacts on living marine resources within the Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench and the Pacific Remote Island Areas National Marine Monuments. Impacts include: environmental degredation; change in species dynamics; effects of environmental degradation and changes in species dynamics; and effects on humans.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Completed
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesNOAA/NMFS/Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center
ContactsEric Breuer, eric.breuer@noaa.gov
NameOpihi Partnership
DescriptionCommunity-based effort to monitor intertidal communities through time and better manage cultural and natural resources.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesTNC, CI, State of Hawaii, NPS, NOAA, local communities
ContactsRob Toonen, toonen@hawaii.edu
NameOptions for Implementing the Hawaii State Planning Act Climate Change Adaptation Priority Guidelines - Draft Report
DescriptionThe purpose of this report is to present to the Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) Integrated Planning Committee of the State of Hawaii Office of Planning (OP) and to Hawaii's four Counties, a preliminary discussion of potential options for implementing the Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Priority Guidelines. Based in part on interviews with key State and County government agency personnel conducted in 2012, this report seeks to identify and assess a suite of management tools. These tools may aid not only in implementing the CCA Priority Guidelines, but may also serve as an effective first generation sea level rise adaptation strategy for Hawaii. The options presented in this report are not exhaustive and are intended to facilitate dialogue that will contribute to sea level rise adaptation guidance. The options must undergo further prioritization, refinement, and adjustment to the land use management process of each County prior to implementation. In addition, issues such as cost, resource allocation, and administrative feasibility must be more thoroughly identified and addressed.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesNOAA Coastal Resilience Networks (CRest) Program, State of Hawaii Office of Planning, University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law
Contactshttp://planning.hawaii.gov/hawaii-state-planning-act/
NamePacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative
DescriptionThe research program of the PICCC is focused on providing original science products and syntheses that will assist managers of natural and cultural resources in adapting to climate change and related large-scale threats. The PICCC seeks to coordinate its research program with other entities funding and disseminating basic and applied science in the Pacific Islands. The PICCC awards research grants through annual solicitations, directly funds specialized projects, and creates products in-house. The research results are then disseminated to our Members and external partners via workshops and trainings, presentations, and publications. In this way the PICCC fosters a dialogue across our membership and with key stakeholders, thus supporting a community of learning that can adapt to new knowledge and practices.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesHCA, USFWS, USGS, NPS, NOAA, OIA
ContactsJeff Burgett, Science Manager, jeff.burgett@piccc.net Deanna Spooner, Coordinator, deanna.spooner@piccc.net
NamePacific Islands Climate Change Social Network Analysis
DescriptionMore than 1,000 climate change professionals in the Pacific Islands were invited to complete a network analysis survey on climate change connectedness between December 2012 and March 2013. The survey solicited information about professional and personal demographics, network connectedness, climate change risk perception and resiliency, and sense of community. Using network analysis methods, East-West Center and Pacific RISA researchers tracked information flows, key hubs, and isolated groups to map out the strengths and gaps in the flow of climate information in the region. The project is supported by NOAA and the DOI Pacific Islands Climate Science Center (PI-CSC).(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Completed
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesEast-West Center (EWC), Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (Pacific RISA)
ContactsKati Corlew, corlewk@eastwestcenter.org
NamePacific Islands Climate Education Partnership
DescriptionFunded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Pacific Islands Climate Education Partnership (PCEP) has developed a detailed strategic plan to collaboratively improve climate knowledge among the region’s students and citizens in ways that exemplify modern science and indigenous environmental knowledge, address the urgency of climate change impacts, and honor indigenous cultures. Students and citizens within the region will have the knowledge and skills to advance understanding of climate change, and to adapt to its impacts. Core PCEP partners contribute expertise in climate science, the science of learning, the region’s education infrastructure, and the region’s cultures and indigenous knowledge and practices. PCEP’s interactive web-based environment interlinks the region’s locations, organizations and people with information about climate science and climate impacts. This system enables the region’s diverse stakeholders to access and contribute to the same information pool. This web-based environment both supports the development of PCEP resources such as the CEF and their continuing evolution and dissemination.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesPacific Resources for Education and Learning, WestEd, University of Hawaii, College of the Marshall Islands
ContactsSharon Nelson-Barber, nelsons@prel.org Art Sussman, asussma@wested.org Chip Fletcher, fletcher@soest.hawaii.edu Don Hess, cmihess@grmail.com
NamePacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments
DescriptionThe major goal of Pacific RISA is to integrate flexible processes for building adaptive capacity to climate variability and change in diverse island settings. Our region includes Hawaii and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau).(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesEast-West Center (EWC)
ContactsVictoria Keener, EWC, Lead Investigator, KeenerV@EastWestCenter.org
NamePacific RISA Climate Adaptation Law and Policy Analysis
DescriptionAs of December 2013, the law and policy research team is analyzing water issues and policies in American Samoa, with the goal to evaluate adaptive tools in a U.S. Pacific Island context beyond Hawaii. As new scientific information about water resources becomes available, researchers will need to know how that information can be utilized in a policy and management context. A better understanding of the law and policy framework, cultural context, and local knowledge and information gaps can help the WRRC set priorities for research and monitoring and also can inform the design and delivery of products and tools for water managers. Mr. Wallsgrove and Mr. McIntosh are investigating American Samoa’s water resource issues and policies. Steps to date include: (1) gathering and reading relevant literature (e.g., existing water resource work, climate adaptation plans, and peer-reviewed literature on existing legal structures, climate science, and water science); and (2) holding informational meetings and conference calls with resource managers and other on-the-ground experts. After reviewing themes that emerge during this early scoping phase, researchers will compile a report identifying information needs and several options for potential next steps. This report will serve as the foundation for making decisions, in consultation with the Pacific RISA team, about the best research direction to pursue in response to stakeholder needs.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and Drought
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesCenter for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP)
ContactsRichard Wallsgrove, richard.wallsgrove@gmail.com R. Duncan McIntosh, mcintosr@eastwestcenter.org Melissa Finucane, FinucanM@EastWestCenter.org
NamePacific Storms Climatology Products
DescriptionPacific Storms is focused on improving our understanding of patterns and trends of storm frequency and intensity - storminess - within the Pacific region. It is exploring how the climate-related processes that govern extreme storm events are expressed within and between three thematic areas: heavy rains, strong winds, and high seas. It is developing a suite of extremes climatology-related data and information products that can be used by emergency managers, mitigation planners, government agencies and decision-makers in key sectors including water and natural resource management, agriculture and fisheries, transportation and communication, and recreation and tourism. In-situ station products include the delineation of rates of sea level rise and high water return periods, as well as changes in the frequency of both short-lived intense rainfall events and extended periods of heavy rains and the linkages of these patterns and trends to climate indices. Observational data used to support product development are taken from standard holdings. In addition to the basic product set, special attention is being given to climate indices-related products that describe the relationship between extremes and climate, primarily through the correlation of extremes indicators and climate indices known to have relevance to the Pacific region (e.g., the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI); the Pacific Decadal Oscillation Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO); the North Pacific Index (NPI); etc.) as well as the formulation of new integrated and/or regional indices.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
  • Pacific Basin
Lead AgenciesNOAA/NCDC/Regional Climate Services
ContactsJohn Marra, john.marra@noaa.gov
NamePredicting Impacts of Sea Level Rise for Cultural and Natural Resources in Five Hawaii Parks
DescriptionFine scale digital elevation models and models of sea level rise; GIS products for various sea level rise scenarios for 2100 along the Ala Kahakai NHT corridor in relation to important, mapped features (plant communities, anchialine pools, cultural sites, wetlands, fishponds); GIS products that highlight important nearshore habitats such as anchialine pools and fishponds, and show the likely location of these habitats in 2100 based on sea level rise and surrounding physical and biological parameters.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUC Berkeley, NPS
ContactsLisa Marrack, lmarrack@berkeley.edu
NamePredicting Risks of Island Extinctions Due to SLR: Model-based Tools to Mitigate Terrestrial Habitat Losses in the NW Hawaiian Islands
DescriptionCollection of topographic data for selected islands and development of DEM models. Map current and future habitat for seabirds based on static (bathtub) SLR on most islands and dynamic (inundation) SLR on Laysan and Midway.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS-PIERC
ContactsMichelle Reynolds, MReynolds@usgs.gov
NamePredicting the Impact of Storm Waves and Sea-Level Rise within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
DescriptionThe goal of this study is to provide maps of wave impact and storm-induced inundation levels for islands of high conservation value. Vulnerability will be assessed for Midway Atoll and Laysan Island using historical data and new high resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for a variety of sea-level rise scenarios. Research to date forecasts sea-level rise with only passive flooding scenarios, and until now, was limited by a lack of topography data for Hawaii’s remote atolls. Predicting impacts of flooding and storm-induced waves is needed to develop climate-change adaptation plans for the biological communities and resident endangered species. This information is also needed for managers to understand risks and determine emergency responses for the range of parameters where natural, historical, and cultural resources and remotely stationed personnel may be threatened from sea-level rise and storm-induced waves.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesU.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
ContactsCurt D. Storlazzi, cstorlazzi@usgs.gov
NameProjecting Ecosystem Impacts from Climate Change in the North Pacific with the GFDL Climate Model
DescriptionGFDL model output covering physics, chemistry, and lower trophic level biology.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesNOAA/PIFSC
ContactsJeff Polovina, Jeffrey.Polovina@noaa.gov
NameRelating the Psychological Recovery from Recent Disasters to Climate Change Risk Perception and Preparedness in Hawaii and American Samoa
DescriptionThis research will address long-term psychological needs in the aftermath of disaster by exploring the interconnections of climate change risk perception and long-term psychological recovery from natural disasters. The proposed research will include two unique cultural communities in Hawaii and American Samoa who are recovering from different types of natural disasters. Each site is a context of increasing risk from climate change. Utilizing quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and culturally-responsive focus group methodologies, this research will explore psychological recovery from disaster in terms that “fit” within psychological science, climate change research/preparedness, and the unique cultural contexts of the focal communities. This research will position psychological recovery from disaster as a critical element of research on the human dimensions of climate change.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • planned
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesEast-West Center (EWC), Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (Pacific RISA)
ContactsLaura K. Corlew, corlewk@eastwestcenter.org
NameResponses of Hawaiian Albatrosses to Environmental Change
DescriptionClimate variability will likely have important effects on the future of marine ecosystems and may present a significant challenge for marine top predators. This project will investigate how current patterns of natural climate variability (e.g., El Niño Southern Oscillation events) impact Laysan and black-footed albatrosses that breed in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and then model possible responses of the birds to long-term climate driven changes in oceanographic conditions.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUC Santa Cruz, NOAA/SWFSC, NOAA/PFEL
ContactsScott Shaffer, Scott.Shaffer@sjsu.edu
NameScenario Planning for Climate Change in Hawaii National Parks
DescriptionThe NPS Climate Change Response Program will sponsor a Scenario Planning training workshop for NPS staff and stakeholders in Hawaii in CY 2012. This cooperative project will support and compliment the NPS training by providing SP expertise and experience, particularly with respect to relevant cultural and community concerns. One of the primary goals is to provide an example of SP that addresses cultural and natural resources, and also draws in a diverse compliment of park stakeholders to focus on climate change. A longer-term goal to begin building a network of parties that will continue to interact with each other, permitting larger-scale, more comprehensive approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesNPS, UH/SSRI
ContactsCheryl Anderson, canderso@hawaii.edu
NameSea Level Rise and Changes in Storminess on U.S. High-Island Fringing Reefs
DescriptionWe are actively conducting USGS-funded research on sea-level rise and changes in storminess on US high-island fringing reefs in the US and US-territories, primarily in US National Parks. Tasks include in situ data acquisition and development of coupled wave-current-sediment transport numerical models to investigate potential future climate change impacts on coral reef ecosystems. We have proposals into the USGS, USFWS, and DOD investigating sea-level rise and changes in storminess on US atolls in the US and US-territories. Proposed tasks include in situ data acquisition and development of coupled wave-current-sediment transport numerical models and hydrologic models to investigate potential future climate change impacts on natural resources, freshwater availability, and infrastructure.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS
ContactsCurt Storlazzi, cstorlazzi@usgs.gov
NameSea Level Rise Impacts to Coastal Wetlands and Other Habitats
DescriptionThis project models the projected sea-level rise at coastal sites on Oahu and Maui, developing methods that can be applied to other Pacific islands. Stakeholder workshops will be used to assess needs and identify final products, including map visualizations. These results will help inform management responses for vulnerable coastal wetlands and beach areas that host endangered species and cultural sites.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community ResilienceMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUH/SOEST, NOAA/CRCP, State of Hawaii
ContactsChip Fletcher, fletcher@soest.hawaii.edu
NameSynergistic Impacts of Global Warming and Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs
DescriptionThis project develops equations describing changes in coral growth rates in response to increased temperature and ocean acidification. These data are necessary for developing and refining models evaluating the future impact of climate change on Pacific coral reef communities. Results will help define appropriate management responses and prioritize interventions at the most vulnerable sites.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
  • Pacific Basin
Lead AgenciesUH/HIMB
ContactsPaul Jokiel, jokiel@hawaii.edu
NameThe Role of Submarine Groundwater Discharge in Coastal Ocean Acidification
DescriptionCarbonate saturation state of groundwater and a groundwater-fed freshwater plume will be examined in West Hawaii.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUH Hilo, NPS
ContactsSteven Colbert, colberts@hawaii.edu Tracy Wiegner, wiegner@hawaii.edu
NameTrends and Shifts in Streamflow in Hawaii, 1913-2008
DescriptionThis study addresses a need to document changes in streamflow and base flow in Hawaii during the past century. Hydrological Processes, 27: 1484 - 1500.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Completed
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and Drought
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/PIWSC
ContactsMaoya Bassiouni, mbassiou@usgs.gov Delwyn Oki, dsoki@usgs.gov
NameTrends in Streamflow Characteristics at Long-Term Gaging Stations in Hawaii
DescriptionDOI/USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5080. The surface-water resources of Hawaii have significant cultural, aesthetic, ecologic, and economic importance. Proper management of the surface-water resources of the State requires an understanding of the long- and short-term variability in streamflow characteristics that may occur. The USGS maintains a network of stream-gaging stations in Hawaii, including a number of stations with long-term streamflow records that can be used to evaluate long-term trends and short-term variability in flow characteristics.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Completed
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and Drought
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS Pacific Islands Water Science Center
ContactsDelwyn Oki, dsoki@usgs.gov
NameU.S. Drought Portal
DescriptionThe U.S. Drought Portal is part of the interactive system to: 1) Provide early warning about emerging and anticipated droughts; 2) Assimilate and quality control data about droughts and models; 3) Provide information about risk and impact of droughts to different agencies and stakeholders; 4) Provide information about past droughts for comparison and to understand current conditions; 5) Explain how to plan for and manage the impacts of droughts; and 6) Provide a forum for different stakeholders to discuss drought-related issues.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and Drought
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesNOAA
ContactsDrought Portal, michael.j.brewer@noaa.gov NIDIS, roger.pulwarty@noaa.gov
NameU.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands Regional Gap Analysis for Hazard Planning Implementation
Description1) To develop a multi-dimensional gap analyses to determine how to implement science into the community in order to improve hazard resiliency. 2) To develop an analysis that is flexible and can be used for different regions of the Pacific. 3) To test the analyses for two geographically diverse areas – Kauai, Hawaii and the U.S. Marshall Islands. 4) If successful, apply in later phases to the entire Pacific Region. The project begins with a briefing to the NOAA Regional Collaboration Team for the Pacific Region. Extensive interviews will also be conducted with scientists, planners, community members and leaders.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaCoastal Inundation/Sea Level Rise, Extreme Weather, and Community Resilience
Region
  • Central North Pacific
  • Western North Pacific
  • South Pacific
Lead AgenciesUniversity of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, NOAA
ContactsDennis Hwang, djh@opglaw.com
NameUnderstanding Past Rainfall Patterns in Hawaii
DescriptionThis project will measure growth rings in mamane trees from the upper slopes of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii, providing critical information on past rainfall and helping validate climate models predicting future rainfall.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUniversity of Hawaii/SOEST, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
ContactsBrian Schubert, bschube@hawaii.edu
NameVulnerability of Hawaiian Forest Birds to Climate Change - Using Models to Link Landscape, Climate, Disease, and Potential Adaptation
DescriptionThe introduction of mosquitos and avian malaria are considered to be primary factors contributing to population declines and changes in the distribution of many native Hawaiian forest birds. Mosquito and malaria dynamics (abundance, location etc.) are strongly influenced by climate, particularly rainfall and temperature. Successful conservation of Hawaiian forest birds requires an analysis of climate change and its impact on the future disease risk of native bird populations. Key objectives of this research will be to 1) predict changes in avian malaria across space and time as a result of anticipated climate change, 2) evaluate the potential for bird species extinctions, 3) research and consider birds’ genetic adaptation to malaria, and 4) assess the costs and effectiveness of conservation strategies to mitigate impacts on bird populations. This project will provide the first quantitative assessment of the long-term impact of climate change on bird malaria distribution and on Hawaii's unique forest birds, and provide a crucial tool to adaptively manage recovery and promote disease resistance among avian populations.(More…) (PDF)
Status
  • Ongoing
Focus AreaFresh Water Resources and DroughtMarine and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Region
  • Central North Pacific
Lead AgenciesUSGS/PIERC, U of Wisconsin
ContactsDennis Lapointe, dennis_lapointe@usgs.gov Carter T. Atkinson, catkinson@usgs.gov Eben Paxton, Eben_Paxton@usgs.gov Michael Samuel, mdsamuel@wisc.ed
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