Join us in preserving Hawaii’s marine ecosystems.
The Kama’aina Ecological Monitoring Program is a hands-on opportunity for local community members to contribute directly to marine conservation. Through this 4 day program, you will be conducting 8 dives while participating in vital research focused on assessing the health and resilience of Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems.
The program includes three core assessments: invertebrate assessments, fish diversity assessments, and substrate composition assessments. Each of these research areas plays a crucial role in understanding and responding to the changes impacting our reefs.
Why Ecological Monitoring Matters
Hawaii’s coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, supporting thousands of marine species and protecting our shorelines. However, they face increasing threats from climate change, pollution, and overuse.
Monitoring the health of these ecosystems helps us assess changes over time and informs effective coral restoration strategies. By tracking key indicators—like invertebrate populations, fish diversity, and substrate composition—we gain valuable insights into the impacts of stressors and how we can help reefs recover.
- Invertebrate Assessments: Invertebrates such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and other benthic creatures are essential for maintaining reef health. Monitoring their populations helps us track ecosystem stability and the effects of environmental pressures.
- Fish Diversity Assessments: Fish diversity is a key indicator of reef health. By assessing the abundance and variety of fish species, we can evaluate how well coral reefs are functioning as habitats and gauge the broader health of the marine ecosystem.
- Substrate Composition Assessments: Understanding what the reef is made of—whether coral, algae, or sand—helps us evaluate its structural integrity. Changes in substrate composition can signal shifts in reef health and inform restoration efforts.
- Photogrammetry: The application of photogrammetry underwater allows for highly accurate assessments of our substrate. We take hundreds of photos of the reef, stitch them together, and create a beautiful 3D model which can then be used to understand coral cover, coral health, rugosity, and much more!
The Critical Role of Community Involvement
This program is grounded in the belief that community involvement is essential to long-term conservation success. As part of our citizen science initiative, we invite kamaʻaina to actively contribute to the collection of ecological data.
By participating, you not only help monitor and protect Hawaii’s reefs but also become part of a larger movement to safeguard our ocean’s future.
Expanding Awareness and Education
Through this program, we are committed to expanding awareness and education about the critical importance of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Participants will gain firsthand experience in ecological monitoring techniques, learning about the interconnectedness of reef ecosystems and the role each species plays.
By sharing this knowledge, we empower our community to take an active role in protecting these vital ecosystems for future generations.
Get Involved
Are you ready to make a difference? The Kama’aina Fully Funded Ecological Monitoring Program is open to all residents passionate about marine conservation. No previous experience is required—just a desire to learn, participate, and contribute to the preservation of Hawaii’s coral reefs.
Explore our programs and sign up using the form below to join us in this critical effort. Together, we can protect Hawaii’s marine biodiversity.
Cost:
We are proud to offer a fully funded Kamaʻāina Ecological Monitoring Program on September 6th for Hawaiʻi residents. This opportunity is part of our commitment to making conservation training more accessible to the local community