our vision
healthy coral reefs
clean ocean water
abundant native fish
17 years of working for Maui County’s ocean, reefs, and native fish
Founded in 2007, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) is a nonprofit organization working for healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water and abundant native fish for the islands of Maui County (Maui Nui).
We’re recognized for working with our local community to create culturally appropriate, effective science-based solutions to serious local threats facing our reefs.
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Working mauka to makai to protect Maui’s marine environment
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Protecting Maui Nui’s Reefs Starts on the Land
Hawaiʻi’s First Reef-Friendly Landscaping Certification Course
Discover reef-friendly landscaping practices that increase plant health and savings on long-term maintenance. Our Reef-Friendly Landscaping (RFL) Certification course guides you through organic landcare, soil health, and wetlands preservation for sustainable, cost-effective landscapes. Learn from local industry experts as they cover the 10-subject curriculum over the course of 5 days.
Working together to protect our nearshore ocean environment
Many problems facing Maui County's local reefs originate on land, which is why our projects and programs are community-based and work from mountains (mauka) to sea (makai).
Protect Coral Reefs
Maui Coral Reef Recovery Team
In 2010, MNMRC brought together 16 of Hawaii’s leading coral reef scientists, community members and management experts to create a Maui Coral Reef Recovery Plan. The group continues to advise us and monitor our progress.
Olowalu Biomarker Research Project
What environmental factors are stressing Maui’s corals near Olowalu and Polanui? Through this study, we’ll be analyzing the protein expression and DNA of 32 coral samples from these areas, to identify the stressors to coral.
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Sunscreen Pollution
Sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate can harm or kill corals. Our team works to educate Maui visitors and residents about safer-for-the-reef alternatives.
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Promote Clean Ocean Water
Protecting Coral Reefs from Pesticides and Herbicides
The use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers negatively impact coral reef ecosystems. Our team works to educate Maui landowners and landscapers about organic alternatives for sustainable land management.
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Hui O Ka Wai Ola Water Quality Testing Program
Clean, low-nutrient ocean water is essential for healthy coral reefs. It’s also important to visitors and residents who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, fishing and surfing.
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Improving Ocean Water Quality in Māʻalaea Bay
Weʻre working to improve water quality in Mauiʻs Māʻalaea Bay to help protect the Kīhei Reef Tract. Weʻre using oysters — natureʻs filter feeders — to remove sediment and pollutants from ocean water. Upslope in Pohakea watershed, weʻre taking steps to prevent sediment-laden stormwater runoff from entering the ocean.
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Restore Native Fish
Community Managed Makai Areas (CMMA)
MNMRC supports and provides training for CMMA programs on Maui which use traditional management principles, community enforcement, and public engagement to sustainably manage marine areas.
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Outreach and Education
MNMRCʻs Monthly Meetings
Join us for free presentations about coral reefs, ocean water quality, native fish and more at our “Know Your Ocean Speaker Series” events, held on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm via Zoom.
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Community Support
Helping During COVID-19
During Covid-19, MNMRC helped 70 Maui and Molokai residents gain employment in nature-based restoration projects. Watch the trailer to our upcoming film “Healing Land, Healing People” to learn more…and be inspired.
National Marine Sanctuary Partners
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is proud to be a partner of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS), located in Kihei, HI. Click here to learn more.
