Help Protect Maui’s Reefs

Through Research, Restoration, and Land-Based Initiatives

Maui’s reefs give life to everything we love about the ocean

Whether you are a local or a visitor Maui is a special place and its ocean truly makes Maui nō ka ‘oi (the best).

But, our reefs and marine environment are facing increasing threats from rising temperatures, pollution, and a host of other human-related stressors.

The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council helps to protect our reefs and ocean through research, restoration, and land-based initiatives from mauka (the mountains) to makai (the ocean).

Research

Our dive team regularly performs Rapid Assessment Technique (RAT) and Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (CRAMP) surveys to gather data on the health of reef ecosystems in South Maui. These dives help to give us an idea of how reefs around South Maui are changing over time and can also give us indicators of potential problems that may be occurring in nearby waters.

WATCH OUR TEAM DIVE

Restoration Work

To combat the threats facing Maui’s we collaborate with the community to establish Community-Based Coral Restoration Areas (CBCRA) that give damaged corals a second chance at survival. Through the CBCRA process, corals that have already been detached from the larger colony are collected and re-planted on bare reef where they will hopefully start to grow again.

SEE RESTORED CORALS

09_Kahoma Village Planting Day_Courtesy Derek Sander

Land-Based Initiatives

Protecting local reefs starts on land and our Reef-Friendly Landscaping (RFL) program equips land managers with tools and skills to adopt natural products and practices that are healthier for our land and oceans. One major component of RFL is using native plants whenever possible. Native plants appropriate for a particular area do not require inputs like chemical fertilizers or pesticides to survive. Plants not meant to be in an area will struggle and can become diseased, which attracts pests. By planting natives, the community can avoid using harsh chemicals that inevitably end up in our soil and oceans.

HELPING LAHAINA HEAL WITH RFL

Making a Difference for Maui’s Community

300,000+

Reef Survey Points

To understand reef health and composition

4,835

Water Quality Tests

From beaches across Maui

6,243,896 lbs.

Of Sediment

Prevented from polluting Maui’s ocean

Working from the mountains to the sea for a healthy Maui

Support Critical Work to Protect Maui’s Reefs from Mauka to Makai

Generous support from our community has made a world of difference for Maui’s reefs. Together we have restored damaged corals in South Maui, launched Hawaiʻi’s first reef-friendly landscaping program, and keep an eye on water quality at 41 sites across Maui.