Division of Aquatic Resources

In 2020, the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) teamed up with experts from the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to form a “core hui” – a group dedicated to drafting action plans that tackle the state’s biggest coral restoration priorities. These plans aim to improve coordination and collaboration amongst agencies, nonprofit groups, researchers, and communities to streamline restoration planning, permitting, and evaluation processes.

With guidance from  A Manager’s Guide to Coral Reef Restoration Planning and Design, the core hui identified three priority goals for coral restoration in Hawaiʻi: addressing coral bleaching, enhancing coastal protection, and improving fish habitat. These goals align with the Hawaiʻi Coral Reef Strategy 2030’s Makai Restoration Pillar, which seeks to “increase the ecological function and integrity of coral reefs.”

The First Step Forward: Coral Bleaching
The Makai Restoration Action Plan for Goal 1 was published January of 2023 and is a resource for coral restoration practitioners who are planning coral restoration projects, seeking funding, and permits. The Plan outlines five geographic focus areas (GFAs): Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District and Kaʻūpūlehu on Hawaiʻi Island, Olowalu on Maui, and Waikīkī, and Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu. These are some of the most promising locations for coral restoration interventions and some projects are already underway at some of these sites, helping build restoration capacity throughout the state.

Photo: Darla White

Coastal Protection: A Work in Progress
Once Goal 1 was published, the hui began drafting Goal 2, focusing on coral restoration for coastal protection. It quickly became clear there is a major data gap in understanding how to restore reefs in ways that will measurably protect coastlines. Coastal modeling, project scale, and suitable interventions are just a few of the data gaps that need to be addressed before large-scale projects can occur. Coral restoration for coastal protection projects are complex and require interdisciplinary expertise from engineers, biologists, project managers, and researchers all working together. This Action Plan lays the groundwork for future coral restoration projects with the goal of protecting coastlines and coastal communities.

Photo: Wayne Hedani

Looking Ahead: The Reef Habitat Plan
Goal 3, or the “Reef Habitat Plan,” is in early stages of development and will continue to evolve through 2025. This goal is shaped collaboratively with input from both biologists and local fishers, focusing on identifying the best reef restoration methods and prioritizing key locations for habitat enhancement. To ensure meaningful engagement, DAR brought on a full-time fisher-liaison, who will oversee communications, gather insights from the fishing community, and incorporate their feedback into the plan’s development. Check out the StoryMap about fisher engagement here.

Although all three goals are published separately, cater to different audiences, and address unique ecological needs, the overall aim is to increase the ecological function and integrity of Hawaiian coral reefs through effective management, communication, and restoration.