The Future of Kauai's Coral Reef System |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
Vacation Central | | ||
| ||||
| ||||
|
|
|
| ||
|
 12/12/2001This is an exciting time for the island of Kaua’i. A time long overdue and a wait too long to remember. But the wait is finally over and the coral reef ecosystems around parts of Kaua’i can finally rejoice. Extensive research to monitor coral reef ecosystems (coral, fish and invertebrate diversity and abundance) has been on the rise around the state of Hawai’i. This is in large part due to an increased environmental awareness by visitors and residents. In response to this outcry, the State of Hawai’i has made great strides to study and record what is happening to our ocean environment. With this record and data, aquatic biologists have pressed forward to protect certain areas for future generations to enjoy. Marine life conservation districts (MLCD), fishery replenishment areas (FRA), and fishery management areas (FMA) are just a few protected areas you may hear of, but not on the island of Kaua’i. If you were to take a look at all the protected areas around the State of Hawai’i, none are found on Kaua’i. Why? That is a very good question and one that we hope to eliminate. Starting December 10-13, 2001, we will start to expand this research and monitoring to Kaua’i. Two experienced and recognized biologists and a fishery technician from the Big Island of Hawai’i are coming to Kaua’i to aid in this process. They have an extensive background of research and development and hope to bring Kaua’i within their loop. What a great research tool it would be to be able to compare Kaua’i’s ecosystem (one of the oldest) and the Big Island’s (the youngest) with one another. This partnership could change some of the rules and regulations that are in place now and is definitely a step in the right direction. This data that is collected could possibly show lawmakers that protected areas are needed on Kaua’i. We’ve tried vigorously to bring them here in the past, but to no avail. So keep your fingers crossed and we hope to add parts of Kaua’i to the list of protected areas. Don’t forget to check out PAHIO’s unique activity “Malama Ke Kai” on your next visit. You’ll have a great time and walk away with a wealth on knowledge about corals and their inhabitants.
|
|
| ||