Maui Drought Offers Opportunities
February 18, 2010
A relatively severe drought in Haleakala National Park last Summer brought stream flows to near no-flow conditions, enabling scientists conducting stream animal monitoring a chance to document low-flow stream conditions. Although not desirable, the lack of water allowed scientists to identify locations throughout stream reaches of underground water flow and subsequent reemergence, which is very difficult to observe under normal conditions. The isolated pools that remain during droughts form the only refuge habitats for stream animals like native fish, snails, and shrimp. Droughts are never ideal and can make survival difficult. On the bright side they can open up opportunities to gain important knowledge for park biologists and ultimately aid in the management of park lands.