Shipowner Pays Big for Coral Reef Damage

The federal government and the state of Hawaii have reached an agreement for damages from the owner of a cargo ship that harmed more than 100,000 coral colonies when it ran aground off Oahu in 2010, reports the Associated Press.

Denak Ship Management and Vogetrader Shipping Inc. will pay $840,000 to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). $695,657 of the settlement will be used to restore or protect the coral reef habitat and oversee restoration. The rest of the money will reimburse the agency for assessing damage.

The public will have 30 days to comment on the settlement.

The 733-foot bulk carrier Vogetrader with a load of coal damaged 103,027 coral colonies when it ran aground Feb. 5, 2010, off Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor.