From mountain to sea
Maui Nui includes the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai and the reefs in this region are an important resource because of the high coral cover and connectivity via currents. We are restoring ecosystems to improve the health of these reefs.
Restoring Watersheds for Clean Water
In West Maui, we focus on restoring natural filtration processes within watersheds to prevent land-based pollution from harming reefs. High levels of sediment runoff smother corals, reducing their access to sunlight and slowing their growth. Excess nutrients fuel algal blooms, which can outcompete coral and promote disease.
Using a ridge-to-reef approach, we work to restore the natural function of ahupua‘a—Hawai‘i’s traditional watershed management system—by stabilizing stream banks, replanting native vegetation, and improving water filtration. In Olowalu Valley, we are monitoring sediment movement, identifying erosion hotspots, and testing the effectiveness of native plants in preventing runoff. These efforts help ensure cleaner water flows from the mountains to the reefs.
Supporting Sustainable Fishing Through Fishpond Restoration
In Molokai, traditional fishponds have provided a sustainable food source for generations. However, sediment buildup, invasive species, and land mismanagement have disrupted these ecosystems, reducing fish populations and harming water quality.
We are working to revitalize these fishponds by:
- Monitoring water quality to track improvements in reef health.
- Clearing excess sediment to restore their depth and productivity.
- Removing invasive species that disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
- Planting native vegetation to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion.
By restoring fishponds, we are not only supporting sustainable fishing practices but also strengthening the connection between land and sea—ensuring that healthy reefs and marine resources remain for future generations.
Recent News
5 Ways To Dive Into #EarthDay with CORAL!
Welcome, ocean enthusiasts and environmental champions! Happy Earth Day! Throughout this Earth Month, we’ve been diving into discussions about how each of us is intricately connected to the ocean and our precious coral reefs. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, the ocean touches every aspect of our lives, reminding us of… Continue Reading →
River to Reef – How All Waterways Impact Coral Ecosystems
Looking at Earth from space, our planet’s rivers and streams resemble a vast network of veins, pulsing with life and water. These natural waterways, part of intricate systems called watersheds, weave through landscapes, connecting us in unseen ways to the ocean’s vast expanse. Whether it’s a closed watershed draining into a secluded lake or open… Continue Reading →
New Year, New Habits ✨ Your Guide to a Greener 2024
Happy New Year, folks! Welcome to 2024 – a fresh start and a new opportunity to make a real difference for our oceans. We all know the oceans are facing some tough times, but there’s plenty of room for optimism. This year, let’s focus on the small, everyday changes that can have a huge impact… Continue Reading →
2023 Year in Review, Ocean-Style
As we welcome in 2024 and anticipate the exciting developments ahead, let’s pause to reflect on the impact we made together in 2023. It was a year filled with significant achievements, insightful articles, and some fantastic new faces joining our team. We invite you to join us in revisiting the standout moments that made 2023… Continue Reading →
Protecting Molokai’s Coral Reefs with the Restoration of Ancient Hawaiian Fish Ponds
A Vital Mission for a Sustainable Future In the crystal clear waters surrounding Molokai, the legacy of Ka Honua Momona (KHM) spans generations, rooted in the island’s rich heritage. Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) and Ka Honua Momona have recently joined hands in a shared commitment to preserving Hawaii’s precious coastal ecosystems. Their partnership aims to… Continue Reading →
Uniting With and Supporting Our Maui ‘Ohana
A devastating mix of human and ecological loss has recently occurred in the Pacific. The wildfire in Maui has cast a shadow of ash and tragedy over the island’s landscape, as well as over the Coral Reef Alliance as an organization. Maui – and more specifically the historic town of Lahaina – is home… Continue Reading →
Meet Makayla: Conservation Scientist and Native Plant Enthusiast
Makayla Rickard is a valuable member of the Coral Reef Alliance family. She has a strong passion for sustainable resource management in Hawaii and deeply understands the intricate connections between the ocean, land, and people. Her academic background in Sustainable Science Management earned at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, has equipped her with the… Continue Reading →
CORAL Receives Transformational Funding for the Reefs of Maui Nui
CORAL and our partners in Maui Nui have been selected to receive a $3.1 million federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Coastal Zone Management Program. The grant recognizes our alliance’s dedication to protecting and restoring coral reefs around the world and its successful track record in implementing conservation projects. Our… Continue Reading →
Inside Our Alliance: Revitalizing the Land and Ocean with Kipuka Olowalu
Not far from the highway lies a hidden oasis—a valley tucked away between the mountains and ocean. You are surrounded by nature in its purest form and accompanied by generations of community members who’ve come to be immersed in the local culture and tradition. This special place is what the Kipuka Olowalu organization sees when… Continue Reading →
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