Work has commenced on the restoration of Maui's mother reef, with initial efforts focused on collecting soil samples in Manawaipueo Gulch. This is part of a feasibility study for a potential retention basin aimed at reducing sediment reaching the reef.
“We’re doing some preliminary work for what is proposed in our NOAA transformational habitat grant,” explained Farnsworth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded $9.9 million to projects including efforts to mitigate sediment runoff that affects the Olowalu reef.
Farnsworth added, “We are looking at ways to capture the sediment before it reaches the ocean. We are taking baby steps to understand if it makes sense at this time, in this place, to possibly build a small retention basin." Cultural, literature, environmental, and scientific reviews have been conducted as part of these initial steps.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is among several partners collaborating with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) on various projects under a three-year Summit-to-Sea restoration grant.
In addition to sediment control efforts, research and funding are being directed toward developing "super reefs." This initiative aims to better understand coral species with high thermal tolerance due to rising sea temperatures causing mass coral bleaching across Hawaii.
Reflecting on past conditions, Farnsworth remarked, “It hasn’t been that long ago since we saw the kinds of limu population that we hear about from our kūpuna and folks who’ve lived in this area."
Addressing land-based threats marks an initial step towards restoring Maui’s mother reef. Project managers acknowledge that resolving these issues will require sustained effort over time.