CRIMP

Coral Reef Instrumented Monitoring Platform (CRIMP)

Figure 1. Cartoon of a typical CRIMP.
*note: CRIMP used in this research varies slightly

Goals & Objectives: The goals of our study are: (1) to quantify physical and chemical properties of terrestrial runoff in "real time" as it enters the coastal water/coral reef ecosystem of southern Kaneohe Bay, (2) to characterize temporally physical and biogeochemical processes, that may affect the coastal/reef ecosystem, (3) to obtain time-series data on the biogeochemical evolution of the water column and reef study site under various environmental conditions, (4) to quantify the importance of storm-derived nutrients in both the dissolved and particulate load to productivity in the bay, and (5) to demonstrate that the remobilization, remineralization, and resuspension of particulate nutrients pulsed to the sea floor during storm plume events are important to nutrient subsidies in bay waters and may be sustaining the productivity of nuisance algae in the bay.

Research Methods/Approach: We will carry out a comprehensive program of multiparameter measurements in turbidity plumes in Kaneohe Bay that will include both synoptic sampling and profiling of the bay under a variety of conditions, complemented by a Coral Reef Instrumented Monitoring Platform (CRIMP) that will provide biological, chemical, and physical data on the bay floor and in the near bottom water column. The CRIMP will remotely measure sediment particle concentration and size distributions, waves and currents, basic water quality parameters and will be equipped with sediment traps, and settling plates. Time-lapse photography will be used to visually record changes in the reef and settling plates.

Figure 2. Instruments used for carrying out multiparameter measurements.

Rationale: Increase nutrient and sediment loading to coastal waters has been linked to numerous adverse effects to water quality and ecosystems. The most visible effects have been associated with point sources such as sewer outfalls, but legislation and management have dramatically reduced their impacts. Non-point source pollution is no considered to be the more pressing problem.

Expected outcomes: Our study provides an opportunity to compare how reef ecosystems respond to new sediment and nutrient inputs and to resuspension/remineralization events. We will also evaluate biotic factors that influence the impact of sediments on reefs. Results of this study will permit help agencies refine existing regulations or, if necessary, promulgate new regulations and provide a new tool for deployment on other reefs.


	Figure 3. Currently, a modified CRIMP has been installed to hang from a PMEL/NOAA CO2 buoy positioned in Southern Kaneohe Bay. see data

Suspended particle distributions obtained with LISST-100 for streams and reefs in South Kaneohe Bay