Wai (water) is everything in Hawai‘i. The islands receive some of the highest rainfall in the world and that rain cascades through the forest ahupua‘a (watershed), creating different types of wetlands along the way. These include high altitude bogs in the mountains, freshwater wetlands and coastal wetlands. In some areas, the volcanic landscape has created anchialine pools; these are brackish ecosystems in volcanic rock with a connection to the ocean.
The greatest threats to wetlands on the islands include non-native plants (especially mangrove, pickleweed and cattail); introduced fish; non-native predators; pollution from cesspools; agricultural runoff and contaminated storm water. Sea level rise and storm surges resulting from climate change are also significant issues. Habitats will be indundated and waters will become more brackish. At the same time, wetland areas may spring up in new areas – requiring innovative responses to manage and protect them.
Other Habitats Our Birds Need
