Hawaii’s coral reefs are home to an abundance of marine invertebrates and fishes, nearly 28 percent found solely in Hawaii. The spread of invasive, non-native marine algae is one of the greatest threats to Hawai‘i’s coral reefs and other near shore marine ecosystems. As alien algae spreads, it grows over and smothers coral reefs and native algal communities, killing extensive areas of native habitat.

This project is taking significant strides toward restoring and protecting Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems by removing alien algae and restoring native species in Kane‘ohe Bay and Waikiki, O‘ahu, and by fostering community stewardship through education and volunteerism.

The initiative, which was sparked by a small group of agencies led by The Nature Conservancy and the University of Hawaii, has evolved into one of the largest grassroots partnerships in the state, and includes federal, state, and county agencies, local businesses, and thousands of volunteers from across the island.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Hawaii State Division of Aquatic Resources, University of Hawaii, Waikiki Aquarium, the Hawaii Coral Reef Research Initiative, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Reef Check, local businesses and community groups.

Removing alien algae from high priority coral reefs is key to the long-term survival of Hawaii’s reefs and the abundance of life that thrives there. Volunteers have removed more than 91 tons of the alien alga G. salicornia at more than a dozen community-based events over the past three years.

The Nature Conservancy recently developed and is testing a floating platform barge with a mechanized removal device, greatly increasing removal efficiency. The University of Hawaii, Waikiki Aquarium, Hawaii Coral Reef Research Initiative, and the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology are also exploring a new invasive algae control technique that uses a native Hawaiian sea urchin (Tripnuestes gratilla) to graze any remaining invasive algae, and thereby help to prevent re-establishment after mechanical removal.

The State Division of Aquatic Resources, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and The Nature Conservancy are now reaching out to communities statewide, offering education and volunteer opportunities for control, early detection, and rapid response to curtail the spread of invasive algae in other areas, and more importantly, to stop new infestations before they become established.