Scientists have recently embarked on an expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to catalog the smaller forms of reef life. The
research cruise left on October 8th bound for the French Frigate Shoals aboard the NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette. The species being tallied are near the bottom of the
food chain—worms, slugs, miniature crabs, microbes and algae—and understanding them is crucial to understanding what is going on in the greater reef system. Changes in the numbers or distribution of these
animals can serve as an indicator of reef
health. This expedition is part of the international Census of
Marine Life. To track the expedition, visit
www.hawaiianatolls.org and the findings will be posted at
www.creefs.org.
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