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Intertidal Monitoring Cruise sets out to Papahānaumokuākea
Researchers conduct intertidal surveys in the Monument. Credit: Shauna Kehaunani Springer/Conservation International
On Tuesday, August 6, a team of researchers departed aboard the M/V Searcher for a 12-day expedition to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) for the fifth consecutive year of conducting research and monitoring activities within the intertidal zone at Nihoa, Mokumanamana, and French Frigate Shoals.
The rocky shorelines of the NWHI are an example of what the main Hawaiian Islands looked like over 150 years ago, yet it's only been fairly recently that the intertidal zone has been studied there. The interdisciplinary team, which consists of researchers from government, academia, nonprofit and community groups, will conduct both scientific and cultural activities.
The researchers will further explore the hypothesis that ʻopihi (Hawaiian limpet) in the NWHI are bigger when they reach reproductive readiness than those in the Main Hawaiian Islands, indicating that increased pressure from fisheries forces them to reproduce at an earlier – and thus smaller – life stage. This could have implications for better managing the highly sought after delicacy.
The group will also focus on maintaining cultural connections with Papahānaumokuākea, which holds sacred significance to Native Hawaiians.
Measuring ʻopihi in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Credit: Sam ʻOhu Gon/The Nature Conservancy
Rainbow over La Perouse Pinnacle at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Shauna Kehaunani Springer/Conservation International
Findings will lead to a better understanding of ʻopihi from both a scientific view – which will help in improving management of this prized species – as well as a cultural one, honoring and exploring the spiritual and physical connections to this special place.
Read more about intertidal monitoring activities in the Monument.