Keāhole, Hawai‘i Island – December 23, 2024

On Hawai‘i Island’s West Coast, the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Coral Restoration Nursery has emerged as a groundbreaking hub for coral reef conservation. Situated near Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, the facility is the largest outdoor coral nursery in the Pacific and has been operational since spring.

A collaboration between Arizona State University (ASU) and the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), the nursery is a testament to innovative conservation efforts aimed at protecting Hawai‘i’s 124-mile-long West Hawai‘i reef system.

A Facility Designed for Impact

Dr. Greg Asner, director of ASU’s Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, described the facility as the culmination of years of research. “Our reef system in West Hawai‘i is expansive, so the nursery is scaled to support large-scale restoration projects and interventions.”

The facility is outfitted with 72 tanks, or raceways, representing the culturally significant ahupuaʻa (watersheds) of West Hawai‘i. A sophisticated pumping system brings in ocean water, mixing warm and cold currents to replicate seasonal temperatures. “This precise control ensures that corals are rehabilitated in conditions nearly identical to their natural habitat,” said Asner.

From Rescue to Reef

One recent initiative involved salvaging corals from a decommissioned offshore kampachi fish pen. Hundreds of intact corals were carefully relocated to the nursery. Many have since been returned to the ocean, near their original locations.

DAR Coral Restoration Technician Sydney Lewis shared her excitement about the corals’ reintegration into the reef ecosystem. “It’s incredible to see the fish immediately making these restored corals their home. It’s a visible and tangible sign of recovery.”

Collaboration and Global Inspiration

The development of ʻĀkoʻakoʻa drew inspiration from other global and local nurseries, including DAR’s Hawai‘i Coral Restoration Nursery on O‘ahu. The partnership between ASU, DAR, and conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy has fostered a collaborative approach to tackling reef degradation.

Zachary Craig, DAR’s coral restoration coordinator, expressed pride in the initiative. “Being part of this effort, surrounded by passionate scientists and practitioners, is incredibly rewarding. Together, we’re making strides to restore and protect Hawai‘i’s reefs for future generations.”

A Vision for Hawai‘i’s Coral Reefs

ʻĀkoʻakoʻa’s state-of-the-art systems and dedication to connecting corals back to their natural habitat reflect its mission to ensure the resilience of West Hawai‘i’s reefs. Asner emphasized the importance of this work: “This isn’t just about growing corals on land—it’s about preparing them to thrive in their ocean home.”

The nursery represents a beacon of hope and a model for coral restoration efforts worldwide, demonstrating Hawai‘i’s commitment to preserving its marine ecosystems in the face of mounting environmental challenges.

All images/video courtesy: DLNR