Kuleana Coral Restoration restores coral reefs across Hawaii by attaching struggling corals to solid reefs, says BYUH adjunct faculty member Daniel DeMartini
A non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and repairing degraded coral reefs across Hawaii called Kuleana Coral Restoration is doing its part to revive declining marine ecosystems, said Daniel DeMartini, the co-founder and director of science at KCR and an adjunct BYU-Hawaii faculty member in the Faculty of Sciences.
Rebuilding coral reefs
DeMartini explained how KCR employs a proactive strategy by identifying damaged coral colonies with a low chance of survival, which they term “corals of opportunity.” He said, “Our dive team collects these corals, reattaches them to solid reef substrates and strategically plants them in areas deemed degraded or at risk.” He said the goal is to rebuild portions of the deteriorating ecosystem by scaling up coral restoration efforts.
Esprit Saucier, an associate professor in the Faculty of Sciences who collaborated with DeMartini in his research, said, “KCR was looking at, ‘How can we rebuild the reef?’ From these corals of opportunity, … we start to build the reef back. We also know that coral can recognize itself. If a piece is broken off but we glue it back and it grows, the coral right beside it recognizes it.” Saucier said she finds coral fascinating because they do a lot for ecosystems and individual animals by providing them food and shelter.
Saucier said the organization is concerned about the necessity of sufficient coral density and species diversity for successful spawning, highlighting the importance of achieving a threshold for self-sustaining reproduction. Saucier emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches between researchers and the need for innovative solutions. Additionally, she expressed interest in studying the impact of invasive coral species on native ecosystems, particularly regarding competition and long-term consequences for reef health. Through their research, Saucier said she aims to contribute to strategies that not only replant lost corals but also promote the recovery and resilience of coral reefs in the face of environmental threats.
KCR’s progress and partnerships
Kate DeMartini, Daniel DeMartini’s wife from Laie, expressed her admiration for the progress of KCR, saying, “It has been amazing watching KCR starting from where they are now.” She highlighted Kuleana Coral’s partnership with the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Program, a company that is involved in coral restoration in Indonesia. She shared, “We got to travel to Indonesia to see how they do coral restoration … and hopefully KCR can learn from their techniques to apply it here.”
Kate DeMartini also discussed KCR’s geographical challenges, noting the distance to their current project location in Koolina and the appeal of other potential sites for coral restoration that are closer to home on the North Shore. She commended KCR’s dedication, mentioning its recent involvement in the Unity March for Lahaina in Maui.
Encountering challenges
Daniel DeMartini explained the urgency of the coral reefs’ situation. “The bigger issue here is that our coral reefs are dying.” He said giving back to the ecosystem by rebuilding reefs, fostering the return of marine life and alleviating the pressure on these vital habitats is essential.
KCR faced initial challenges, Daniel DeMartini said, including navigating logistical complexities, obtaining necessary permits and developing techniques to execute large-scale coral restoration. However, he said the organization has made significant progress. It has built strong relationships with local communities, drawing upon their knowledge to identify optimal reef restoration locations, he explained.
KCR traces its beginnings to 2019 when Daniel DeMartini responded to a call for scientific help from a group of fishermen. He said they originally focused on invasive fish issues but shifted their attention to coral restoration after witnessing significant coral bleaching events on the west side of Hawaii.
According to Daniel DeMartini, KCR has secured funding from federal sources, community members and foundations that share their vision. However, he said the journey has not been without hurdles, particularly regarding legal constraints. Kuleana Coral was initially prohibited from touching or planting coral by the state, he said, but it has since developed a positive relationship with authorities and gained approval for its coral restoration activities.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration awarded KCR with a grant to address the challenge of workforce availability and train local residents in coral restoration techniques, Daniel DeMartini said. The program equips individuals with necessary skills and provides certifications, which address a common barrier residents face when seeking conservation and marine biology employment. He continued, “The goal is to build a foundational workforce so that as we try and scale up the process of healing the reefs around Hawaii, we have people trained and resources to be able to do that.”
Persevering in coral reef conservation
Saucier explained the importance of tenacity in coral reef restoration efforts. “I think you should never give up. You just keep on trying.” She highlighted the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry, suggesting that if one person doesn’t find a solution, the next may succeed. Saucier urged researchers to expand their knowledge and continue striving, noting that persistence is essential to avoiding failure.
Despite the daunting outlook, Saucier emphasized the need to remain committed to coral conservation efforts. Saucier also addressed the role of individuals in protecting coral reefs, emphasizing the significance of small actions at home. She advised against littering and improper waste disposal and said protecting the land can indirectly safeguard the ocean. Additionally, Saucier cautioned against touching coral, underscoring the importance of minimizing direct human impact on fragile reef ecosystems.
Daniel DeMartini reflected on the successful reattachment and growth of coral fragments planted by Kuleana Coral’s team. He said the regular positive follow-ups on the planted corals showcase the tangible impact of the KCR’s efforts on the future of Hawaii’s coral reefs.