Unusual Pink Color Envelopes Pond in Hawaiian Wildlife Refuge

Attention! A peculiar phenomenon has taken place at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii, as the pond's water has transformed into a mesmerizing pink hue that could easily be mistaken for the setting of a "Barbie" movie. However, please be advised that this occurrence is not to be celebrated. Scientists suspect that the peculiar coloring may be due to the ongoing drought, emphasizing the importance of refraining from entering or consuming the water. Since October 30, the refuge staff has been closely monitoring the striking pink water, prompted by a member of the public who reported the unusual sight. Refuge manager Bret Wolfe initially expressed concern that the vivid color might be an indication of an algae bloom. However, lab tests dismissed the possibility of harmful algae, pointing instead to a potential organism called halobacteria. Halobacteria are single-celled organisms known as archaea, thriving in highly saline bodies of water. The outlet area of Kealia Pond currently exhibits salinity levels twice as high as seawater, exceeding 70 parts per thousand. To determine the exact organism responsible, a DNA analysis will be conducted by the laboratory. The drought on the island of Maui likely plays a role in this phenomenon. Ordinarily, Waikapu Stream replenishes Kealia Pond, regulating the water levels. However, due to the prolonged drought, this natural process has been interrupted. Rainfall would typically flow from the stream into Kealia's main pond and subsequently into the outlet area, reducing salinity and potentially altering the water's color. Remarkably, even long-time volunteers who have been involved with the refuge for 70 years have never witnessed the pond's water take on such a shade. Although the refuge primarily focuses on conserving native and endangered waterbirds and wetland restorations, the viral spread of photos and videos depicting the pink pond has enticed curious visitors. While Wolfe humorously acknowledges their interest lies primarily in the pink water, he encourages visitors to learn about the refuge's mission. It is essential to highlight that the wildlife refuge serves as a nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for endangered Hawaiian stilts (aeo) and Hawaiian coots (alae keokeo), in addition to hosting migratory birds during the winter. Thus far, there is no indication that the colored water poses harm to the birds. However, on account of the unidentified cause of the hue, officials urge the public to refrain from entering the water or consuming any fish caught within the refuge. The Kealia Pond pink pond occurrence joins a list of unusual water color changes globally. Climate change has resulted in lakes and oceans displaying more pronounced green hues. Other examples include the release of non-toxic pink dye in San Diego for research purposes, a pink tint in a wastewater system in Idaho Springs caused by a concentrated pink dye leak, and the stunning turquoise transformation of Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park after a landslide. Similarly, the infiltration of microscopic algae during rainfall turned the fountains in northwest Spain red. Please be informed, take necessary precautions, and admire the intriguing pink pond from a distance.