Underwater Photogrammetry Captures the Initial Recovery of a Coral Reef at Lalo Atoll

Recovery of coral reefs after physical damage sustained from storm events can be affected by various factors. Here, we examined the initial recovery a reef at southern end uninhabited Lalo Atoll Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument its complete destruction Hurricane Walaka in 2018. While site was still mostly (98%) covered mixture rubble and sand, surveys utilizing underwater photogrammetry allowed for detailed quantitative assessments benthic cover confirmed colonization (Pocillopora meandrina Porites lobata), macroalgae sponges. The proportion sand rubble–sand also decreased level observed 2019. Visual fish presence 35 species, large increase no 2019, despite low biotic cover. Overall, organisms return fish, which is potentially supported benthos cryptofauna bed, offer positive signs recovery. photogrammetric present study captured subtle changes provided us with procedure to continue monitoring succession site. Continuous should reveal whether returns original state Acropora dominance or progresses towards assemblage different composition.