In 2005, the "Supersucker" was introduced in Kaneohe Bay.
It’s designed to remove invasive algae from the reefs.
Now – the sequel – "Supersucker 2."
Supersucker 2 will more than double the rate at which the invasive algae can be removed.
That’s important.
"That’s the only place in the entire island and not only that, it’s the biggest enclosed bay in the state and the only place in the entire state that has all those three types of reefs in one location. And historically, it’s been a very productive fishery," says Mark Fox of the Nature Conservancy.
Three types of invasive algae have been covering the reefs since the ’60′s when the algae first gained a foothold.
"Form dense mats and just cover the coral and choke off that ecosystem and choke off that habitat for all the living creatures in that very productive bay when it’s healthy," Fox says.
Coral is a living thing and the algae can destroy the coral if nothing is done.
"If this invasive algae continues to spread, it’s going to kill this coral and that’s what the fish utilize as their homes, tako, other crabs and things so if the coral is killed, it will eventually just fall apart," says Jono Blodgett of the DLNR Aquatic Resources division.
Along with the super suckers, the state has also been culturing native urchins which thrive on the invasive algae. Fox describes it as a one-two punch.
"What we’ve found, is that if we can remove the big mats with the Supersucker, and put out cultured native urchins, those urchins will act as a natural control and prevent re-growth," he says.
As tough as the job is, Blodgett says it can also be rewarding.
"You’ll be out there clearing a large section and look back and already you’ll see juvenile fish starting to come in, utilizing that reef again so it is rewarding seeing it," he says.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
