The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Maui, Hawaii, recently caused controversy with its striking discoloration. The salt lake has been Barbie pink for several weeks, attracting crowds of onlookers, as the BBC reported today.
AP/The Maui News/Matthew Thayer
Scientists are not sure what is causing the lake’s discoloration, but they suspect it is due to the water’s high salt content, which is causing halobacteria to grow. Blame it on the ongoing drought on Maui.
The body of water is in a nature reserve that serves as a nesting, feeding and resting place for the endangered Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian coot. It is also home to migratory birds in winter. The water does not appear to harm the birds, emphasize scientists monitoring the situation.
Local residents confirmed to several media outlets that they had never seen the body of water in similar conditions.