The Nature Conservancy's Hawai'i marine program has grown quickly, expanding our partnerships with government agencies and community groups to combat the serious threat to marine health posed by invasive species.

Our major invasive species removal projects include:

Super Sucker

In the battle against alien algae, marine researchers have discovered a powerful weapon – “Super Sucker.” The Super Sucker acts as an underwater vacuum cleaner that can remove up to 800 pounds of algae in a single hour. The new device is being piloted in Kâne‘ohe Bay, where it is operated by a small group of trained crewmembers from the Conservancy and our partner agencies, including the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology and Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources.

Rapid Detection, Early Response

In close collaboration with our partners, the Conservancy has made great strides toward educating Hawai‘i residents on the threats associated with invasive marine algae; researching the most problematic species and developing new technologies to control the spread of invasive species where they are at their worst. 

Much of our effort has been focused on O‘ahu, where invasive marine algae is most prolific. However, we are also working with communities on all of the neighbor islands where these invasive species are known to exist, to help ocean users know how to identify them, and who to call upon discovering them. Learn more about the Makai Watch community partnership program. 

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): © Phil Spalding III (alien algae cleanup and volunteer/t-shirt, Waikiki Beach).