In partnership with OC16’s Outside Hawai‘i, Mālama Hawai‘i has featured a number of short stories about coral reef protection as part of the International Year of the Reef campaign.  Here are some of the fun stories we have enjoyed bringing to local audiences in Hawai‘i

Our connection to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument 

‘Aulani Wilhelm describes the coral reefs of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and how we affect them in our everyday lives. Produced by Outside Hawai‘i for Mālama Hawai‘i.

Invasive algae control at He`eia fishpond

The “gorilla ogo,” an invasive limu (algae) is growing rampant along the coasts of O`ahu, smothering coral reefs. Staff and volunteers at Paepae o He`eia, a traditional Hawaiian fishpond, harvest the limu and make something edible from it. Produced by Outside Hawai‘i for Mālama Hawai‘i.  

Cooking ta`ape, an invasive species

Ta`ape, or blueline snapper, is an invasive fish within Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems. It’s also edible and should be harvested for food. Aaron Mahi shows us how to cook it.

Hanauma Bay - keeping the coral reefs healthy

One of the major threats to coral reefs is “recreational overuse.” That basically means people may be “loving it to death.” Alan Hong, manager of the world famous Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Hawai‘i, explains how the bay is being managed to reduce overuse and prevent damage to sensitive resources. One simple thing is to keep feet off the reefs because the reefs are alive. Video made by Outside Hawai‘i for Mālama Hawai‘i and the 2008 International Year of the Reef campaign.

Waikiki Aquarium - world class coral reef research and education

The Waikīkī Aquarium is, compared to world standards, a small but exceptional aquarium. It values quality over quantity and houses some of the most diverse species of corals and fishes in the world. Part of the University of Hawai‘i, it is also a research facility where they pioneered techniques in coral reef propagation. Dr. Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium, shows various species of corals, some only found in the Hawaiian Islands, and discusses how we can better care for coral reefs. Video made by Outside Hawai‘i for Mālama Hawai‘i and the 2008 International Year of the Reef campaign.