A significant coral recovery project has been completed on Hawai‘i Island, involving the removal and relocation of nearly 11 years' worth of coral growth from a decommissioned offshore fish farm pipe ring. This initiative was carried out by conservation divers from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Arizona State University (ASU).
The operation focused on removing hundreds of large, healthy, native coral heads from the structure used to raise Hawaiian kanpachi. Julia Rose, TNC's coral restoration program manager, explained that "this pen has been in the water for eleven years," leading to natural coral recruitment. She emphasized the value of saving this amount of coral: "It’s the biggest bang for the buck that you can get."
The three-day operation involved divers using chisels and hammers to remove corals below the waterline. These were then collected in milk crates and transported to boats. Larger corals were placed into water-filled coolers, while smaller ones were bubble-wrapped.
Zachary Craig, DAR Coral Restoration Coordinator on Hawai‘i Island, noted that while these structures are initially beneficial for corals, they require proper reef homes for long-term survival. He described it as "one of the largest mature colony collections" on Hawai‘i Island.
The larger corals were returned to a reef near the fish pens, while smaller ones went to a new nursery at the National Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i. Dr. Grace Klinges from ASU highlighted that this nursery provides an "intensive care unit" for rescued corals and supports research into coral stress causes.
The ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Coral Restoration Nursery is notable as Hawai‘i Island's first large land-based facility and possibly the largest in the Pacific.
Reflecting on their efforts, Klinges said: “It’s great to be responding...where these corals would die otherwise.” She expressed optimism about their impact: “I think we’ve made a monumental impact.”
Blue Ocean Mariculture operates the Hawaiian kanpachi aquaculture farm involved in this project. CEO Dick Jones stated their commitment to marine ecosystem health: “We’re honored to partner with DLNR...on this coral reef restoration initiative.” Vice President Tyler Korte added pride in contributing samples for reef restoration efforts.