DLNR MEDIA ADVISORY: 300,000 collector urchins planted in Kaneohe Bay
Posted on Apr 20, 2016 in Latest Department News
For the past six years, a team from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) working at the Anuenue Fisheries Research Center on Sand Island have been raising native urchins to help control invasive algae (seaweed) in Kaneohe Bay. Recently this team planted its 300,000 urchin into the bay, which is now showing that more than 95% of its patch reefs are clear of alien algae species.
What:
News Conference and Tour of Urchin Hatchery
When:
Monday, April 25, 2016
8:00 a.m.
Where:
Anuenue Fisheries Research Center, 1039 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI
(first left, immediately after the U.S. Coast Guard complex)
Who:
- David Cohen, Manager, Anuenue Fisheries Research Center Urchin Hatchery
- Brian Neilson, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources
Why:
Media will have an opportunity to video and photograph urchins being raised in the hatchery. Underwater video and photographs of urchin planting in Kaneohe Bay will also be available.
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Media Contact:
Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Office of the Chairperson
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0407
Please note: I work in the field a great deal and may be unable to get back to you right away. News media needing immediate attention please call Joshua Mapanao at 808-587-0418 or Deborah Ward at 808-587-0320.