The nature conservancy will restore 1,300 acres of coral REEF and coastal habitats at kealakekua BAY on hawaii

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $4,928,001 Cooperative Agreement to The Nature Conservancy under the Habitat Conservation program (CFDA 11.463) to restore 1,300 acres of coral reef and coastal habitats in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii. This "ridge-to-reef" project will expand coral restoration, create reef restoration training programs for the community, reduce erosion and land-based pollution, and mitigate human impacts on coral reef and fish habitat. The 3-year project will run from October 2024 to September 2027 and involves collaborative efforts with local stakeholders to implement science-driven conservation strategies.

This mauka to makai (RIDGE-to-REEF) effort will include expanding coral restoration and creating REEF restoration training programs for community members. IT will also include efforts to reduce erosion, sedimentation, and other land-based sources of pollution, and reduce human-caused degradation of coral REEF and fish habitat, such as littering, coral trampling, and wildlife harassment.