The hawaii department of land and natural resources, division of aquatic resources is tasked with working with the people of hawaii to manage, conserve and restore the states unique aquatic…

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources has been awarded a $750,000 Cooperative Agreement under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469). The grant will fund efforts to monitor, improve, and restore two historically and ecologically important estuaries on Hawaii Island. Key activities include removing invasive vegetation, cultivating and planting native aquatic vegetation, and developing interpretive signs to highlight the importance of the estuary habitat and local culture. These restoration efforts are expected to improve habitat and water quality for native estuarine species, reduce flood risks, and enhance fishing opportunities for the public. The award has a performance period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

The hawaii department of land and natural resources, division of aquatic resources is tasked with working with the people of hawaii to manage, conserve and restore the states unique aquatic resources and ecosystems for present and future generations. One ecosystem of interest to the division of aquatic resources that has been widely impacted by invasive species is hawaiian estuaries. In pursuit of its mission, the division of aquatic resources proposes to monitor, improve, and restore two historically and ecologically important estuaries on hawaii island by removing invasive vegetation, cultivating native varieties of aquatic vegetation and planting them where invasive species were removed, and monitoring effectiveness. These efforts are expected to improve habitat and water quality for native estuarine species, reduce flood risks and improve fishing opportunities for the public. In addition, the division of aquatic resources plans to develop and install an array of interpretive signs at one of the sites, at minimum, to highlight the importance of the estuary habitat, and the deeply rooted history and culture of the area.