Day Use Moorings (DUM) are an effective means of reducing anchor-related damage to coral reef ecosystems and have proven effective across reefs around the world. In Hawaii, over 200 DUMs have been installed in locations around the state to help fishers, divers, and other ocean-users have convenient and secure places to anchor their boats while preventing damage to the natural habitat. Yet, many of these DUMs have not been codified into rule by the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. This leaves open the potential for boaters to avoid penalties when they do not use a nearby DUM and choose to anchor on delicate coral reef habitats—a situation that just recently occured. Although this case raises many questions, one thing is clear:

It is time for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to codify all Day Use Moorings into rule in order to protect Hawaii's valuable coral reefs.

Photo credit: takomabibelot