Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems have provided essential ecological, economic, and social services to and for coastal communities. In recent decades, overexploitation and other anthropogenic factors have led to a 60% global loss of this important ecosystem directly affecting at least 13% of the population. Government organizations, funding agencies, and ecosystem managers are employing resilience and place-based management practices to assess and actively manage the threats toward coral reefs. We imaged select coral reefs around Lana’i, Hawaii and Guam to create high resolution 3D benthic models for baseline assessments of coral reef ecosystem management. Aerial data using Fluid Lensing, a technique that removes optical distortions and surface wave absorption, and structure-from-motion (SfM) techniques created benthic habitat maps and bathymetry models to communicate reef health. The local communities engaged with our work through interactive maps, scientific visualizations, and other visual mediums that increased support and knowledge for marine ecosystems. Scientific visualizations are another tool for policy makers, ecosystem managers, and the public to better see evolving benthic habitats throughout time and aid in resource management planning.