HONOLULU (HI Now) - Invasive octocorals in Pearl Harbor pose a severe threat to Hawaii’s marine ecosystems by rapidly spreading and smothering native coral species. Covering approximately 80 acres, these non-native corals disrupt reef habitats and are illegal to own in Hawaii. In early 2023, the U.S. Navy cleared over 33,850 square feet of octocorals, but they quickly regrew, highlighting the need for a large-scale, long-term eradication effort.
The removal strategy involves smothering the octocorals with specially designed, weighted tarps. Each section takes about a week to eradicate before the tarps are relocated to another area. This method is proving effective, but full eradication will require significant resources and time.
While the exact cause of the octocoral’s introduction remains unclear, experts suspect they were unintentionally released, possibly by aquarium hobbyists. The species is fast-growing and predator-free, making it especially dangerous to native reefs.
A coalition of organizations, including the Hawaii Invasive Octocorals Working Group, has partnered with the Navy to address this crisis. This group includes experts from state, federal, and academic institutions collaborating on research, removal, and prevention strategies.
Public support is essential to stopping future outbreaks. The “Don’t Let it Loose” campaign educates the community on the dangers of releasing aquarium species into the wild. The Waikīkī Aquarium offers an amnesty program for safely surrendering illegal or unwanted species. The public can also assist by respecting fishing and boating restrictions in affected areas.
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By successfully removing invasive octocorals, this effort aims to restore Hawaii’s reefs and serve as a model for combating similar threats worldwide.
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