What We Monitor

Vital signs monitoring tracks certain ecological indicators selected to represent the overall health or condition of park resources. Monitoring data are periodically collected on 12 vital signs. The data are analyzed and summarized to park managers so that they have relevant and up-to-date information on the condition of park resources to inform management actions. Learn more about vital signs.

The Pacific Island Network Vital Signs Monitoring Plan provides a detailed description of the network's overall monitoring strategy. Use the table below to access specific vital signs monitoring protocols.

Monitoring reports are available that provide periodic updates and findings of ongoing monitoring work.

Network staff take a comprehensive and long-term approach to managing all data we collect. The integrity, utility, security, and availability of data is a primary responsibility. Learn more about network data management.

Vital Signs

  • An anchialine pool that is monitored at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
    Anchialine Pools

    Anchialine pools provide critical habitat for rare invertebrate species including shrimp, snails, and damselflies

  • Vibrant coral reef at War in the Pacific National Historical Park
    Benthic Marine Communities

    Four parks within the Pacific Island Network contain rich benthic marine communities that are home to algae, corals, and other invertebrates

  • Observing alpine climate at Haleakalā National Park
    Climate

    Climate is widely recognized as a major driver for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems

  • Invasive palm grass (Setaria palmifolia) growing throughout a native forest in Hawaiʻi Volcan
    Established Invasive Plant Species

    Nonnative plant species invasions present a serious threat to Pacific island ecosystems

  • Plant community in American Memorial Park
    Focal Terrestrial Plant Communities

    Long-term vegetation monitoring helps us determine plant community health, ecosystem stability, and the effectiveness of management

  • NPS staff and USGS partner assessing groundwater well at American Memorial Park
    Groundwater Dynamics

    In many Pacific islands, groundwater is the primary source of water for ecologically significant and often rare habitats

  • A Pacific Kingfisher at the National Park of American Samoa
    Landbirds

    On Pacific islands, birds pollinate the majority of woody plant species and disperse their seeds

  • On of many anchialine pools and cultural sites at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park with dev
    Landscape Dynamics

    Landscape dynamics monitoring in parks provides information on land use and land cover change

  • Pennant bannerfish (Heniochus chrysostomus) observed on a coral reef in National Park of American Sa
    Marine Fish Communities

    Marine fish are a major component of coral reef ecosystems and serve many ecological functions

  • Stream monitoring in Kalaupapa National Historical Park
    Stream Communities

    Freshwater ecosystems are considered to be among the world's most vulnerable

  • Fresh water quality monitoring in a stream in Haleakalā National Park
    Fresh & Brackish Water Quality

    Fresh and brackish water quality monitoring occurs in places like streams and anchialine pools

  • Marine water quality performed at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
    Marine Water Quality

    The quality of surface waters, marine waters, and groundwater is fundamental to the ecosystems across the Pacific islands

Monitoring Quick Reads

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    Last updated: December 26, 2023

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