Be on the lookout for invasive corals! Invasive species pose a threat to native ecosystems, by land and by sea. This week the Heʻeia NERR team helped the State Division of Aquatic Resources and Waikiki Aquarium to remove several exotic invasive corals from a patch reef within the Reserve boundary in Kāneʻohe Bay. These fast-growing corals were first spotted by uncle Gabby Kawelo while he was fishing, and were reported by his daughter Hiʻilei Kawelo. Hiʻilei is also the director of Paepae o Heʻeia, and serves on the Heʻeia NERR board.
The corals were genetically identified by another Reserve board member, Dr. Rob Toonen, as Montipora foliosa, digitata, and stellata. They are common in the aquarium trade, and were likely dumped or planted on the reef by an aquarium owner. After more two full days in the water, the corals and all visible fragments were removed. The corals will go on display at the Waikiki Aquarium, and the area will be monitored closely for regrowth.
This effort highlights the importance of close relationships between people and place, and close working relationships among conservation agencies.
