Exploring a Hawaiian Coral Reef with Michael Caban

Join aquarist and educator Michael Caban on a fun search for hidden marine life through a Hawaiian coral reef. This 15 minute video takes you underwater to explore a shallow coral reef ecosystem to learn about different reef organisms, coral bleaching and steps you can take to be a good reef steward. (Film location: Richardson/Waiuli in Keaukaha, Hawai‘i Island).

Learning Objectives:

• Viewers will understand that coral reefs in Hawaiʻi are important ecosystems for many species, including humans, and that Papahānaumokuākea protects 3.5 million acres of coral reef — 70 percent of the total coral reef area in the United States.
• Viewers will be introduced to some common marine species living in Hawaiian coral reefs.
• Viewers will understand that coral is a living colony of animals in a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae.
• Viewers will understand how to identify coral bleaching and some of its causes.
• Viewers will learn simple ways they can be good reef stewards to minimize coral stressors.

Exploring a Hawaiian Coral Reef Vocabulary and ID Sheet

Learn more about animals in Papahānaumokuakea with our Hidden Picture Activity