HCRI and ECOHAB Support Outreach Event that Educates Hawaii Residents About Invasive Species
NCCO’s Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI) and Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) Programs are hosting a community event on Maui to educate residents about the dangers that invasive species pose to coastal marine ecosystems. Fun family events include interactive coral reef games and crafts, information on responsible fishing, learning about native vs. alien algae and waste water treatment processes, and an invasive algae rap performed by local school children. In addition, marine scientists from these programs and environmental policy makers from the mayor’s office will be on hand to answer questions. The festivities are co-hosted by the University of Hawaii, The State of Hawaii’s Division of Aquatic Resources, Maui County Mayor’s Office, Maui Department of Environmental Management, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, and NOAA’s National Marine Whales Sanctuary. This interactive event brings together researchers, managers, policy makers, and the general public in a partnership to combat invasive marine species that are a significant threat to Maui’s tourism, marine industries, and beautiful coastal environments.