The nature conservancy (TNC) will improve CO-management of coastal resources in hawai'i through partnerships between TNC, NOAA, community networks and non-profit organizations, and the state of…

The nature conservancy (TNC) will improve CO-management of coastal resources in hawai'i through partnerships between TNC, NOAA, community networks and non-profit organizations, and the state of hawai'i division of aquatic resources (DAR). The project goal is for hawai'i's coral reefs and nearshore fisheries to be CO-managed by local communities and the state of hawai'i to increase health, abundance, and climate resilience. Healthy coral reefs and fisheries are vital for hawai'i's economy and cultural identity, as they sustain local food production, recreation, jobs and livelihoods. Despite their importance, the condition of nearshore ecosystems in hawai'i has significantly declined due to a suite of local and global stressors, including overfishing, sea level rise, ocean warming and acidification, and UN-off from increased erosion and development (e.g., sediment, sewage, pesticides/herbicides, etc.). These factors have all contributed to decreases in the cover and health of corals