The Kahekili Herbivore Enhancement Area (HEA) Project is looking for volunteers to assist with snorkel surveys. At Kahekili (North Ka‘anapali Beach or Airport Beach), the reef shows signs of stress with seasonal invasive algal blooms and decreasing coral cover. Herbivorous fishes and urchins eat algae (seaweed) that grow on the reef and studies show that reefs with abundant herbivorous fishes have fewer problems with invasive seaweed growth. Kahekili could recover with the assistance of some hungry herbivorous fish.

In order to help increase stocks of herbivorous fish, a reduction in harvesting of these critical grazers from nearshore waters is necessary. Volunteers are needed to gather data on what herbivorous fishes are eating and at what rate.

In response to this issue, the “Take a Bite out of Fish Feeding Campaign” is joining forces with the HEA project, and will provide an opportunity for volunteers to help with outreach efforts associated with the campaign.

Details will be provided at the training workshop, which will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center. Two in-the-field training opportunities will follow, on Thursday, April 24 and Saturday, April 26, both from 9 a.m. to noon at Kahekili Beach Park. To register, contact Darla White at 345-2312, or darla.white@hawaii.edu.