01/29/14 – DLNR Partners With USGS To Investigate Kauai Marine Life Die-Off

Posted on Jan 29, 2014 in Aquatic Resources, News Releases

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE
GOVERNOR
WILLIAM J. AILA JR,
CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release January 29, 2014

DLNR PARTNERS WITH USGS
TO INVESTIGATE KAUAI MARINE LIFE DIE-OFF
Public’s help needed to scan beaches, report finds to Eyes of the Reef

LIHUE, Kauai – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is responding to and investigating reports received on Monday of between 500-800 dead and dying lanternfish (Myctophid) and squid near Nawiliwili.

These lanternfish and squid are known to inhabit the deeper ocean mesopelagic depths, ranging between 100 and 200 meters or deeper. They are known for their nightly vertical migrations to shallower depths. A nearshore nexus is unknown.

Kauai DAR staff is collecting samples and assessing these reports in collaboration with U.S. Geological Survey biologists to collect samples that will help to identify potential causes.

Latern Fish on Kauai Beach

Latern Fish on Kauai Beach

The Public’s Help Is Needed!
The Eyes of the Reef (EOR) Network serves as extra eyes in local coastal areas. The public’s help is needed to determine how widespread the mortality event is. Here’s what the public can do:

  1. Take a moment to look for dead or dying marine life in large numbers on nearby beaches.
  2. Make a report using the EOR Network “Fish Disease and Miscellaneous” online report form (www.eorhawaii.org/make-a-report). Reports of both beaches with and without dead or dying marine life are needed – reports of no mortality are just as valuable!
  3. Please do NOT collect samples or specimens at this time. If specimens are present on KAUAI, call DAR at 645-0532 or 482-4297.

What to Include in EOR Reports
In online reports, the public should make sure to include:

  • name/contact information
  • location
  • date
  • what type of animal
  • how many animals
  • over what period of time (how long was your walk, swim, etc.)
  • whether photos are available

** PHOTOS: Photos cannot be attached to the online form. Please submit photos to: [email protected] with the information listed above. Photos are very valuable to the report, please take photos!

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Media contact:
Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320