Invasive Alien Algae (IAA) are one of the greatest threats to Hawai’i’s coral reefs and nearshore marine ecosystems. These invasive, non-native marine algae species flourish off of an environment created by sediment and runoff from the land.  As IAA spreads, it grows over and smothers coral reefs and native algal communities, killing extensive areas of native habitat.

Three species of invasive algae are devastating Maunalua Bay: Gorilla Ogo (Gracilaria salicornia), Prickly seaweed (Acanthophora spicifera), and Leather Mudweed (Avrainvillea lacerata, formerly amadelpha).

Mahalo for your interest in volunteering with Mālama Maunalua and we’d be happy to host you at a volunteer event! Join us for a workday in the beautiful waters of Maunalua Bay! We will help restore the marine environment by removing invasive algae from the nearshore waters, as part of an effort to continue the work of the Great Huki. From 2009-2011, a team of dedicated volunteers and staff removed 3 million pounds of invasive limu from 27 acres. Today, we continue this effort through volunteer workdays with schools and community groups. Our next available community volunteer events are on Saturday, April 5th, and Wednesday, April 16th from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Please let me know if you’re still interested in volunteering and for which date and we can send you more information on how to RSVP. For more information about our community huki events, please find them at the link attached below.