In an effort to nurture and safeguard Hawaiian underwater ecosystems, the 'Ākoʻakoʻa Coral Restoration Nursery, situated close to the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, has become a hub for marine rehabilitation since its inception last spring. This pioneering nursery, made possible through the collaboration of Arizona State University (ASU) and the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), caters to the needs of the extensive West Hawai‘i reef systems.
Boasting the title of the largest outdoor nursery of its kind in the Pacific, the 'Ākoʻakoʻa has managed to quickly earn a reputation for its large-scale impact. According to Dr. Greg Asner, director for the ASU Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, "Our facility is the outcome of years of research focused on the reef system of Hawai‘i Island." Asner further indicated that the size of the nursery is crucial to effectively conduct "projects and interventions for West Hawai‘i’s reefs," according to Hawaii DLNR.
The success of the nursery isn't just in its research capabilities. It also plays a critical role in real-world conservation efforts, such as the relocation of corals from a decommissioned fish pen—a joint operation with The Nature Conservancy. At the facility, Sydney Lewis, a DAR coral restoration technician, meticulously cares for some of the salvaged corals. "Oh my gosh, it’s super exciting," Lewis told DLNR officials. "These corals have so much structure, so many fish immediately come and they’re like so excited."
It is not just the large scale that sets this nursery apart; it is also the sophisticated technology it employs. The nursery's advanced system can accurately control the quality and temperature of the seawater, crucial for the health of the corals. By simulating the actual reef environment, the team ensures that corals are adequately prepared to rejoin their natural habitats.
For those involved, the work is more than just a job. Zachary Craig, DAR’s Hawai‘i Island coral restoration coordinator, expressed a strong sense of pride in his role. "I feel incredibly proud to be part of this organization and part of the coral restoration efforts here in Hawai‘i," Craig said, reflecting the commitment and dedication driving these initiatives. With 72 raceways, each representing a culturally significant watershed in West Hawai‘i, the nursery has become an important part of efforts to address the challenges posed by environmental degradation.
