Maro Reef

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Maro Reef (Hawaiian: Nalukakala) is a largely submerged coral atoll located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It was discovered in 1820 by Captain Joseph Allen of the ship Maro, after whose ship the reef was named. With a total area of 1 934 km², it is the largest coral reef in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It contains 37 species of stony coral.

Not like usual atolls, the coral extends out from the center like spokes on a wheel. Located about 850 miles (1,370 km) northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maro Reef contains about 1 acre (4,000 m²) of dry land which itself can be submerged depending on the tides. Some scientists believe that it "may be on the verge of drowning" because the reefs are detached and are vulnerable to strong storm waves. [1]

[edit] References

• Maro Reef Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve
• Quick Facts on Maro Reef from the PBS Ocean Adventures site