marine biology

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has received nearly $900,000 from the National Science Foundation to collect new species of seaweed, specifically in low-light environments. Funding is also allocated to train incoming algal biologists in DNA sequencing, dried plant collecting and more.

We’re going outdoors for a hana hou show highlighting recent interviews from mountain to the sea: a Leilani Estates resident reflects on the fifth anniversary of the Kīlauea eruption; forest therapy guides highlight health benefits of forest bathing on mental health; the U.S. Forest Service and USGS discuss the recovery of an ʻōhiʻa forest on the Big Island; and a scientist explains the spawning cycles of Jellyfish

Divers and community members from the area worked together this week to collect coral pieces that had broken off the reef in Kahuwai Bay during recent high swells.

The peacock grouper – a fish better known in Hawaiʻi by its Tahitian name roi – has become a dominant predator on local reefs. A young Hawaiian scientist is leaning on the centuries-old practice of kilo, or observation, to reduce the impact of the invasive roi in Miloliʻi. HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi spoke to Kainalu Keliʻikuli-Grace about his research.

A Philippines labor union boss talks his groups similarities to Hawaiʻi unions; a UH professor shares the context to the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Moloka‘i-Maui Invasive Species Committee discusses its success with certain species thus far; and we learn more about the invasive peacock grouper, or roi

The value of coral reefs is something that has been recognized in Hawaiʻi for many years. But the protection of reefs is getting a new round of attention this week in Asia. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

For the second straight year, Hawaiʻi has reached new heights in aquaculture — and experts believe its potential has been mostly untapped. Aquaculture is the state's second most valuable agricultural commodity, falling behind seed crop sales but beating coffee, macadamia nuts and cattle. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

The tiny Pacific island nation of Niue has come up with an original plan to protect its territorial waters — it will get sponsors to pay. HPR's Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

The University of Hawaiʻi Center for Oral History just launched a collection of interviews tapping seaweed cultural expertise across the state. The oral histories with limu experts like Wally Ito build on the work of seaweed scientist Isabella Abbott.

The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded $5 million to support Pacific Islander students studying marine and environmental science. According to the University of Hawaiʻi, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are highly underrepresented in STEM disciplines.