This project aims to initiate macroalgae (limu kohu) restoration at selected locations across hawaii in partnership with community organizations involved in loko IA (hawaiian fishpond) and limu…

This Project Grant award of $500,000.00, provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and Development Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (CFDA 11.427), aims to initiate macroalgae (limu kohu) restoration efforts across Hawaii in partnership with community organizations involved in loko ia (Hawaiian fishpond) and limu restoration. The project will also increase understanding and awareness of limu kohu's environmental and cultural significance through educational outreach activities. Additionally, the commercial potential of this seaweed species will be explored through tank-based culture with partners. A sub-award of the grant to Symbrosia Inc., a woman-owned small business, will establish a supply and training program for restorative aquaculture production of the red seaweed limu kohu.

This project aims to initiate macroalgae (limu kohu) restoration at selected locations across hawaii in partnership with community organizations involved in loko IA (hawaiian fishpond) and limu restoration, while also increasing understanding and awareness of limu kohus environmental and cultural significance through education outreach activities. The commercial potential of this species will also be explored through tank-based culture with partners. This limu restoration program will be the first of its kind in hawaii that actively restores a depleted seaweed fishery through a university-private-community partnership.