Ocean Blog

Community engagement shines during statewide Coastal Kuleana Cleanup, a multi-island effort organized as part of the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana and focused on protecting shorelines, reefs and wetlands vital to Hawaiʻi’s identity and prosperity.

“This study puts numbers to what our communities have long understood — that losing our reefs means losing the recreational opportunities, cultural practices and quality of life that define what it means to live in Hawaiʻi,” said Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Brian Neilson.

Drifting fish aggregating devices are posing significant risks to half of the world’s marine protected areas.

West Hawaiʻi marine reserve off the Kona Coast was eligible to reopen as early as July, but additional time is needed to finalize the Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Plan, develop implementation strategies and complete a co-management agreement.

“This is a great moment for us. This is a seed that has been planted to reconnect,” said Ludovic Burns Tuki with Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, the ocean council of Rapa Nui. “This is the union between the Pacific, the biggest country connected by our blood.”

Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources invites everyone in state to organize events on or about June 6 to mālama shorelines, waterways and community spaces that sustain life in Hawaiʻi.

Community participation is critical for not only documenting the long-known impacts of the impaired waters of Hilo Bay and throughout its watershed, and public input will be used to develop a community vision for the bay region and guide development of any new resilience and management plan.

Polynesian Voyaging Society traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe will return to the island nation for the first time in 20 years; dates will tentatively be from April to September next year.

The Pacific Whale Watch Association said iconic humpback whale BCY0324 known as “Big Mama” has safely returned to local waters after her winter migration in Hawaiʻi.

Officials remind the public that maintaining a respectful distance is the most important thing they can do to protect the endangered monk seals and community.

Search efforts began after a report from Korea Mission Coordination Center at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26, that a crewman aboard the Republic of a Korea-flagged fishing vessel was reported missing at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, about 1,200 miles southeast of the Big Island.

The study by University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa oceanographers provides new insight into how high levels of biodiversity are maintained in the open ocean.

Events and site visits around the East Asia island advanced relationships, educational partnerships and logistical preparations for the anticipated arrival of traditional Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia in spring 2027.

It was the first time in about 600 years a voyaging canoe sailed the ancient sea road of Kealaikahiki and disproved theories of accidental drift.

“This new institute combines [University of Hawaiʻi]’s strengths in cutting-edge, ocean-related research and our collaborative, place-based approach to working with resource managers throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to protect our vital coral reefs,” said University of Hawaiʻi Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton.

The man was identified as Mathen Jackson of Kailua-Kona; a witness at the beach said Jackson decided to jump off the cliff and subsequently became distressed in the strong current.

Stormy conditions will continue through the rest of the week, with a major risk of even more heavy rainfall Wednesday through Friday for the entire state, and especially the Big Island, bringing with it a strong potential for additional flooding.

The exciting work of flying robots underwater takes science, teamwork and flexibility.

ʻĀina Momona hopes to gather perspectives from those who work in, care for and steward ocean spaces to help guide how future ocean projects engage with Hawaiʻi’s communities, especially as climate change continues to affect coastal and island communities.

Citizen scientists on Hawai’i Island observed 37 humpback whales March 28; a total of 435 whales were observed from shorelines at 37 sites throughout the islands.