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Free presentation on Maui’s coral reef soundscapes to be featured at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council April 4 meeting

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MA’ALAEA, HI – Ever hear the crackling sounds of snapping shrimp while you snorkeled? Those noises are just part of the rich soundscape of a coral reef — soundscapes that can provide helpful clues about the health of the reef. The public is invited to learn more about what was discovered during an acoustic study of seven Maui reefs at a free presentation by Eden Zang at the Wednesday, April 4 meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.

The meeting will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center classrooms at the ocean level of the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Eden Zang, Managing Director of Oceanwide Science Institute, will explain how passive acoustic monitoring can be utilized to reveal clues about coral reef communities and will share results from a 16 month acoustic study from seven reefs around Maui.

“The soundscape of coral reefs may provide a way to track animal activities and community level structure,” comments Zang. “To do so, it is critical to identify how reef soundscapes are influenced by biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors, and establish how soundscapes change over time and across habitats.”

“We’re excited about the use of acoustic monitoring to gain more information about our local reefs,” says Robin Newbold, co-founder and chair of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. “This promises to be a fascinating presentation for anyone who is interested in Maui’s coral reefs.”

Eden Zang joined Oceanwide Science Institute (OSI) in March 2014 as a Research Specialist and is now OSI’s Managing Director. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, Eden’s focus is on processing and analyzing acoustic data, scientific diving, assisting in the coordination of field efforts, and marine mammal vessel based surveys. She has been involved with projects that involve whales, dolphins, fish, marine invertebrates, and effects of anthropogenic noise in the marine environment.

Zang has a B.A. in Human Communication and participated in University of Hawaii’s Marine Option Program. In addition to OSI, Eden is the Maui Marine Mammal Response Network Assistant for NOAA Fisheries, (contractor with Lynker Technologies, Inc.) and has held various positions with private, state and federal organizations in animal husbandry, scientific diving, and protected resource management.

The meeting will also provide updates about ocean water quality testing and other projects that are underway at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, the host of the meeting. Refreshments will be served. 

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is a nonprofit organization celebrating its 10th anniversary of working for clean ocean water, healthy coral reefs and abundant native fish for the islands of Maui County. To learn more about Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, visit www.mauireefs.org.

Oceanwide Science Institute (OSI) is a non-profit organization that was founded in April 1998 on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The mission of OSI is to share knowledge through innovation and expertise. To learn more about Oceanwide Science Institute, visit oceanwidescience.org.

Maui ‘Ground Zero’ in Coral Reef Studies – June 22, 2016 MAUINOW.COM

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Several Maui non-profits are participating in the International Coral Reef Symposium taking place this week at the Honolulu Convention Center on Oʻahu.

With one of the most extensive coral reefs communities in Hawaiʻi, Maui County has been an especially important ground-zero for coral reefs studies and community-led action.

Lessons learned from Maui’s community-based reef management, watershed partnerships, long-term reef monitoring studies, and citizen science programs are being shared throughout the conference.

Aquatic Biologist Russell Sparks of Hawaii Department of Aquatic Resources to be Guest Speaker at March Meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council

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A free presentation offering updates on the State of Hawaii’s management of Maui’s nearshore fisheries and coral reef resources will be featured at the Wednesday, March 7 meeting of the nonprofit Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. The talk will be presented by guest speaker Russell Sparks, Aquatic Biologist of State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources. Sparksʻ presentation will also include an update on the status of Mauiʻs reefs following the bleaching event of 2015.

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 pm at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center Classrooms at Ma’alaea Harbor Shops at 300 Ma’alaea Rd, Wailuku (next to Maui Ocean Center). The talk is free and everyone is invited. Refreshments will be served. 

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) is a Maui-based nonprofit working for healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water and the restoration of abundant native fish in the nearshore waters of the islands of Maui County. 

At the March 7 meeting, MNMRC staff will be offering updates on their recent and ongoing projects, including the expansion of a volunteer-based water quality monitoring program to include 48 sites in South and West Maui and a study of corals off Olowalu. 

Sparks received his B.S. in Biology from Oregon State University. He received his M.S. in Marine Biology from University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1996. Since 1998 Russell has worked for the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources as an education specialist and more recently as an aquatic biologist. He is currently responsible for leading the design, implementation, and overall management of the Maui marine monitoring program, and for working with stakeholders and communities to develop marine management programs aimed at adaptively managing nearshore fisheries and coral reef resources.

To learn more, visit www.mauireefs.org. 

Please Support Protection of Maui’s Coral Reefs at Flatbread Company Benefit on Tuesday, January 30

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Enjoy some exceptionally delicious wood-fired pizza and support efforts to protect Maui’s coral reefs at a benefit for the nonprofit Maui Nui Marine Resource Council at Flatbread Company in Paia on Tuesday, January 30.

All pizzas purchased between 5 pm and 9 pm that day will help raise needed funds for Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s work to restore healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water and abundant native fish for the islands of Maui County. The Flatbread Company will donate $3.50 for each large flatbread and $1.75 for each small flatbread sold during the benefit, whether the pizza is for takeout or in-restaurant dining.

A silent auction will take place during the event. The staff of Maui Nui Marine Resouce Council will be on hand to meet the public and talk about their nonprofit organization’s work  including sunscreen pollution prevention, improving wastewater management, testing ocean water quality and establishing community managed marine areas.

Individuals who join Maui Nui Marine Resource Council as members with a $50 donation will receive a free Maui Nui Marine Resource Council totebag and two free MauiReefs.org bumperstickers.

The Flatbread Company is located at 89 Hana Highway in Paia.

Celebrating 10 years, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established by marine biologist Robin Newbold and the late Uncle Edwin Lindsay, a kapuna and community activist. To learn more, visit www.mauireefs.org.

January Meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to Feature Guest Presentation on Auwahi Forest by Dr. Arthur Medeiros

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MAʻALAEA, MAUI, HI — The January meeting of the nonprofit Maui Nui Marine Resource Council will feature a guest presentation by research biologist Dr. Arthur Medeiros about the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project.

The meeting and presentation will take place on Wednesday, January 3 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Pacific Whale Foundationʻs classrooms at the Maʻalaea Harbor Shops, 300 Maʻalaea Road, Wailuku. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

“The Auwahi leeward forest was previously known to be among the most diverse of Hawaiian ecosystems,” reports www.auwahi.org, the website of the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project. “Currently, Auwahi is among the world’s most endangered tropical dry forests with 9 species listed as Endangered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 7 listed as endangered with IUCN Red List status.”

Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Dr. Medeiros is a research biologist with U.S. Geological Survey and has over 30 years of field experience studying Hawaiian ecosystems. He works with private and public landowners and the public to develop community- and science-based forest restoration projects, including Auwahi dryland forest.

“As part of our work to prevent sediment run-off that threatens Mauiʻs coral reefs, we support the efforts to restore the dryland forests of Maui,” says Robin Newbold, co-founder and Chair of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. “Forests and trees play an important role in preventing soil from becoming runoff that washes into the ocean during rainstorms.”

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is celebrating 10 years of working to restore coral reefs, clean coastal water and abundant native fish to Mauiʻs nearshore areas. The January meeting will include updates on their projects including

– A study of the DNA of corals off Olowalu to evaluate the coralsʻ reactions to environmental stressors
– Ongoing ocean water quality testing at 36 sites along South and West Mauiʻs shorelines
– Efforts to prevent sediment run-off, including best practices guidelines for construction sites

To learn more, visit www.mauireefs.org.

MNMRC December Meeting on Weds., Dec. 6 to Include Guest Presentation about Paniaka Wetland at Makena State Park

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The public is invited to attend the Wednesday, December 6 meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, which will include a guest presentation about plans to restore Paniaka Wetland at Makena State Park. The meeting is free and open to all.

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 pm at Pacific Whale Foundation’s classrooms at Ma’alaea Harbor Shops. Guest presenter Elizabeth Speith, Paniaka Wetland Restoration Coordinator at Pacific Whale Foundation, will present plans to restore the native flora and fauna within and around the wetland. She will also explain the restoration goals and timeline for the project.

The meeting will also include an update on Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s pilot program to examine the feasibility of restoring oysters to Maui harbors and bays to help clean ocean water. In addition, the meeting will include an update on the proposed Maui County ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate and an opportunity to learn more about the group’s recently launched South Maui water quality testing program.

Refreshments will be provided.

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is a community-based non-profit organization working for healthy coral reefs, clean ocean water and an abundance of native fish for the islands of Maui County.

Photo courtesy Pacific Whale Foundation.

Unique Community Based Water Quality Testing Program Expands to South Maui

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KIHEI, HI – November 2, 2017 — How clean is the water at your favorite South Maui beach? Starting November 7, a volunteer-based water quality testing program known as Hui O Ka Wai Ola (Association of the Living Waters), will be expanding to test 12 South Maui shoreline locations every two weeks for six months, then every three weeks thereafter. The project will eventually be expanded to test a total of 24 South Maui locations.

The Hui O Ka Wai Ola water quality-testing project is the result of a partnership with Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC), The Nature Conservancy, West Maui Ridge to Reef (R2R) Initiative, and University of Hawaii Maui College, working with the State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).

“Hui O Ka Wai Ola is the first community-based water quality monitoring program in the state that periodically measures turbidity (a measure of water clarity), and nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous) in near shore ocean waters and makes their data available to the public,” said Dr. Kim Falinski, Marine Science Advisor at The Nature Conservancy.

“Our goal is to support the Department of Health and Maui County efforts to improve coastal water quality so that coral reefs and native fish populations thrive, and our residents and visitors are safe,” said Robin Newbold, Co-founder and Chair of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.“We want to help identify problem areas, so remedial action may be taken as needed.”

An expansion of Hui O Ka Wai Ola’s West Maui testing
The Hui O Ka Wai Ola water quality testing program began in West Maui in June of 2016, and has been operating and expanding ever since.

“Volunteers and their team leaders currently test a total of 24 West Maui shoreline locations from the Pali to Honolua Bay,” reported Newbold.

“Starting November 7, Hui O Ka Wai Ola water quality testing will be expanded to include 12 sites in South Maui,” said Emily Fielding, The Nature Conservancy’s Maui Marine Program Manager. “Eventually, this will be expanded to 24 South Maui sites.”

The locations of the new South Maui testing sites will be finalized in the next few weeks after they are evaluated for accessibility by the volunteers and other factors. Sites under consideration include ‘Ahihi Kina’u Nature Reserve, Makena Beach State Park, Maluaka Beach, Oneuli (Black Sand Beach), Makena Landing, Kamaole Beach I and III, Kalama Park Beach, Cove Park and Waipuilani Beach.

Powered by volunteers
“A citizen science program like ours would not be possible without an amazing team of volunteers. They are the backbone of Hui O Ka Wai Ola,” noted Sofia de la Sota, South Maui Regional Coordinator and Team Leader.

“More than 20 volunteers have signed up to work at the 12 new South Maui sites. They have completed intensive training and are ready to start water quality testing,” reported de la Sota.

“The volunteers will collect water quality samples according to strict Department of Health (DOH) standards set forth in the Hui’s Quality Assured Program Plan every two weeks for the first six months, then every three weeks after that,” said de la Sota. “They will be testing several water quality parameters in the field: turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature. During every collection period, the volunteers will also collect samples which will be frozen and shipped to the SOEST laboratory on Oahu for nutrient analysis.”

The program will test for nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous compounds, which can indicate pollution from wastewater, run-off from agriculture, landscaping and/or golf courses. Too many nutrients in the water can cause an increase in invasive algae (limu), which is damaging to coral reefs. The resulting data will be used to supplement DOH water quality monitoring on Maui and can be viewed at the Hui O Ka Wai Ola website.

“The data resulting from the Hui O Ka Wai Ola program will support the work of Department of Health employee Meghan Dailer, who tests for Enterococcus bacteria,” said de la Sota.

“Due to budget constraints, Dailer is the only Department of Health employee testing water quality for all of Maui,” said Dana Reed, West Maui Regional Coordinator for the Hui O Ka Wai Ola program. “By supplementing her bacteria testing efforts with our nutrient testing, we can better keep a close eye on changing water quality conditions that can harm our coral reefs and human health. We are happy to support DOH and Maui County with this added testing.”

Monitoring the impacts of development and wastewater
“Some of our possible testing sites in South Maui are slated for expanded shoreline development, such as at Maluaka Beach in Makena,” reported de la Sota. “Cove Park, at the center of the wastewater plume coming from the Kihei Wastewater Reclamation Facility, has been flagged for high nutrient levels and turbidity.”

“If we see an issue with increased turbidity or pollution at these sites, we can sound an early warning to initiate measures to address the run-off and pollution as quickly as possible,” noted de la Sota.

In addition to following a regular testing schedule for each of the sites, the program will eventually allow for additional testing during brown water events.

“It is our hope that frequently collecting water quality data will allow for more effective management practices.” said Emily Fielding.

Future funding sought
 
Testing at 18 of the West Maui sites of the Hui O Ka Wai Ola program is currently funded by North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund; testing at the remaining six West Maui sites is currently funded by Napili Bay and Beach Foundation, as well as National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

“This expansion to South Maui is made possible with generous support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Maui County Office of Economic Development and community donors,” said Amy Hodges, Programs and Operations Coordinator at MNMRC. “Funding for the laboratory and field equipment and initial start-up costs were provided by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) is providing space for storing the water testing equipment.”

The cost of testing at each location is about $3,600 per site per year, which includes analysis and shipping of nutrient samples to the lab on Oahu. Currently, there is funding to continue testing at the South Maui sites for 15 months.

The three nonprofits that lead the project — Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC), The Nature Conservancy and West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative — rely upon public donations and local grants to finance their work.

“We hope that the public will support this valuable effort with donations on behalf of their favorite beaches in South and West Maui,” said Newbold. “We all want clean ocean water, healthy reefs and thriving local fish populations. This project is one way to help achieve these goals.”

“In addition to the millions of dollars in revenue directly and indirectly coming from coral reefs in Hawaii, we have to think of their ecological, cultural and recreational value. If we want future generations to benefit from Hawaii’s marine resources, we must act now to protect this valuable ecosystem,” said Newbold.

To learn more about Hui O Ka Wai Ola and ways you can donate or volunteer, visit www.huiokawaiola.com. You can also look at data that the Hui has collected on this website, and even download the data for yourself.

About Maui Nui Marine Resource Council
A local community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization now celebrating our 10th anniversary, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is dedicated to restoring clean ocean water, healthy coral reefs and native fish to near shore waters throughout Maui County. We bring the community together to collaborate, learn, work and advocate on behalf of Maui’s coral reef ecosystems. To learn more, visit mauireefs.org.



About West Maui Ridge to Reef (R2R) Initiative

West Maui Ridge to Reef (R2R) Initiative is an all-encompassing approach across multiple agencies and organizations to address adverse impacts to coral reefs in West Maui. The goal of the R2R Initiative is to restore and enhance the health and resiliency of West Maui coral reefs and near-shore waters through the reduction of land-based pollution threats from the summit of Pu`u Kukui to the outer reef.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

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Visit us at the MNMRC table at the Ridge to Reef Rendezvous!

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When: Saturday, October 28

Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Where: Kahekili Beach Park (Old Airport Beach) Ka’anapali

What: 2017 Ridge to Reef Rendezvous and Keiki Fishing Tournament

Be sure to visit the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council table and talk story with our team at the the upcoming Ridge to Reef Rendezvous. While you’re there, check out our Hui O Ka Wai Ola Water Quality Testing Program table, too. The Ridge to Reef Rendezvous offers fun for all ages, beginning with a catch and release keiki fishing tournament (check-in 8am). Tour the first-ever “haunted reef,” just in time for Halloween and enter the scavenger hunt. Engage in conversation with local conservation groups under the Ridge to Reef hui tent with volunteer information, hands-on interactive displays, demonstrations, and giveaways. There will be music by Captain Billie Bones, and lunch will be provided first-come, first-serve by the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, CJ’s Deli and Diner, and Maui Grill Kaanapali. An event by our friends at West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative. Free and open to all.

 

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Snorkel Olowalu with MNMRC on a Trilogy Blue ‘Āina Reef Clean-up Cruise

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When: Sunday, November 5

Time: 8:30 am to 1 pm

Where: Trilogy (departing from Lahaina Harbor)

What: Snorkel Olowalu with MNMRC on a Trilogy Blue ‘Āina Reef Clean-up Cruise — and learn about the role of clean water in coral reef recovery.

Price: $30 per person. Reserve early. Seats are limited.

For reservations: Visit https://sailtrilogy.com/helpmaui

Snorkel with Robin Newbold, (MNMRC Co-founder and Chair) and marine biologists Dr. Mark Deakos and Pauline Fiene, activists working to save Olowalu’s coral reefs.

See examples of how corals can recover from stressors and find out about innovative efforts to protect Olowalu from land-based sources of pollution.

Learn about our community-based water quality testing program with Dana Reed, MNMRC Clean Water Committee Chair.

Help remove trash, fishing line and other debris from the reef (for those who can free dive).

Cruise includes light breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and juice.

Bring your own snorkel gear, reef safe sunscreen, hat and sun protection clothing.

Your ticket will help support MNMRC’s work to protect coral reefs.

Note: Snorkeling Olowalu is dependent upon weather and ocean conditions. At the Captain’s discretion, another snorkeling location may be selected.

Special thanks to: Trilogy
Corporate Sponsor:  Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort and Villas
Food Sponsor:  Old Lahaina Luau

MNMRC Submits Testimony in Support of Maui County Ban on Sunscreen Products with Oxybenzone and Octinoxate

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KIHEI, HI — November 30, 2017 — Maui Nui Marine Resource Council has submitted written testimony to the Maui County Council in support of a proposed County law that would ban SPF sunscreen products containing octinoxate and oxybenzone.

The testimony states, “We are strongly in support of passage of Bill 17-179 – ‘Prohibiting the Sale and Use of SPF Sunscreens Containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate’ because it aligns with our mission of protecting Maui’s coral reefs. Protecting our reefs includes taking all reasonable steps to keep known pollutants out of our coastal waters.”

According to MNMRC’s testimony, Dr. Craig Downs has provided compelling scientific evidence that oxybenzone and octinoxate, ingredients found in many popular sunscreen products, harm and kill corals. This is especially problematic in reef areas that are popular snorkeling locations. The sunscreen used by snorkelers in these areas washes off and pollutes the reef, and damages the coral that is the essential foundation of the reef ecosystem.

The testimony acknowledges the value of Maui’s visitor industry to the local economy, and the importance that visitors place on snorkeling and diving at Maui’s coral reefs. According to MNMRC, passage of Bill 17-179 will protect Maui’s reefs, the visitor industry and the economy.

“We are convinced that visitors will be grateful and impressed that Maui cares about our coral reefs and takes the necessary step of banning sunscreen ingredients that are harmful to our reefs,” states MNMRC in its testimony. “We believe that publicity about this new law will be good for Maui and will build upon Maui’s appeal as a visitor destination.”

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council Board Member Michelle Griffoul has actively worked with snorkel tour operators to help them obtain affordable sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate to dispense on their cruises. “This is a good first step and has been positively received by visitors on these cruises,” notes MNMRC’s testimony. ” The next step is up  to our Maui County Councilmembers to protect Maui’s coral reefs by passing Bill 17-179 and prohibiting the sale and use of SPF sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.”