Hanalei Bay, Hawaii and San Luis Bay, California are popular tourist destinations thousands of miles apart across the Pacific Ocean from each other. Boasting legendary beauty of ocean and land with natural habitats, the communities bordering these bays could become "sister communities" working together to improve and preserve the health and beauty of their bays.
Both bays are special places at risk because of environmental deterioration that could easily lead to eventual ecocide (the destruction of ecosystems) because both are impacted by years of pollution from farming, sewerage discharge (from chemicals water treatment plants not designed to capture and or waters not treated to safe drinking levels), and other industrial operations. Pollutants can be carried into bays by rivers containing toxic chemical runoff, wastewater outfall, and polluted sediment. Also, high-impact development along rivers can cause serious problems to ecosystem health when large quantities of mud flow into bays.
Preserving Hawaii's Coral Reefs- Video by Underwater2Web
The Hanalei and San Luis communities could apply for Marine Sanctuary Designation to have the needed "boots on the ground" science to bring back and preserve the health of the marine ecosystems for the needs of the natural world and the needs of human communities.
Also, both Hanalei and San Luis communities have cultural histories of indigenous peoples who cared for and were in harmony with the ocean and the land. Focusing on indigenous cultural heritage of communities is another reason to form marine sanctuaries.
Part 1 of this article describes the coral disease crisis in Hanalei Bay. Research teams from the University of Hawaii (UH), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and others are studying the coral to find the cause or causes of the rapidly spreading White Coral Disease that is killing the coral reefs.
We would like to thank our friend, Terry Lilley, Hanalei-based biologist and former resident of the San Luis Bay watershed, for sharing his knowledge and perceptions of the changes occurring to Hanalei Bay since 2009.
Hanalei Bay / Photo by Terry Lilley
White Coral Disease / Photo by Terry Lilley
Ecocide
The legal definition of ecocide was proposed to the United Nations in 2010 by Polly Higgins, international environment lawyer and author of the book, Eradicating Ecocide. "The extensive damage to, destruction of or loss of ecosystems(s) of a given territory, whether by human agency or by other causes, to such an extent that peaceful enjoyment by the inhabitants of that territory has been or will be severely diminished. "
Leslie E. Sponsel, Ph.D, Emeritus Professor of UH who developed and maintained the Ecological Anthropology Program from 1981 to his retirement in 2010, states in the Encyclopedia of Earth, "Ecocide is by far the greatest threat to the security of every being on planet Earth. Ultimately, any human population, economy, and society can only be as healthy as its habitat."
Can ecocide be prevented by today's cultures by learning how to live with and value their natural environments? Scholars in Anthropology (the study of human cultures, past and present) are studying indigenous cultures to gain knowledge and understanding of the their environmental survival skills.
Ecological anthropology studies cultural adaptations to environments. Many indigenous cultures learned the skills to live with nature. Dr. Sponsel states in his essay, Ecological Anthropology, "Some societies have proven to be sustainable for centuries or even millennia. Others have degraded their habitat and depleted the natural resources in it to the extent of undermining their economic and social viability thereby leading to sociocultural disintegration and even collapse."
Ethnoecology studies of how different cultures understand the ecosystems around them and their relationships with surrounding environments. Applying the knowledge of botany (the study of plants) can be important when studying a cultural group of people and how they interact with their plant environment.
Kat Anderson, Ph.d, is the National Ethnoecologist of the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service and lecturer at University of California, Davis. Dr. Anderson reconstructs the plant uses, harvesting strategies, and land management practices of indigenous peoples in the United States with an emphasis in California.
Her book, Tending the Wild, is an examination of Native American knowledge and uses of California's natural resources that reshapes our traditional understanding of native cultures and shows how we might begin to use their knowledge in our own conservation efforts. She states in the preface that the idea that became the foundation of her book is that indigenous people's stewardship of the land carries important lessons for us in the modern world. Anderson argues that this traditional ecological knowledge is essential if today's cultures are to successfully meet the challenge of living sustainably.
A series of videos, produced by UH, show an Introduction to Ethnoecology focusing on the indigenous Hawaiians and their relationships to nature. The first video of this series is presented by Samuel M. "Ohukani'ohi'a Fon III (Senior Scientist/Cultural Advisor, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i).
E Kane-au-loli-ka-honua: Pule honuluulu ‘ai video by UH
The indigenous cultures of the native Hawaiians in Kauai and the Chumash Nation in Central Coastal California are examples of cultures that continue to live locally and retain their cultural knowledge and skills. As we discussed in our April SLO Coast Journal article, one of the missions of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is to protect irreplaceable legacies of Native Americans and to understand what they teach us about ecological change and sustainability of natural resources. This historic preservation mandate comes from the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The rich cultural and historical legacy of the vibrant contemporary communities of the Makah Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Hoh Tribe, and Quinault Nation have forged inseparable ties to the ocean environment, maintaining traditions of the past while they navigate the challenges of the present.
Part 1 - Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
Hanalei Bay, Kauai Hawaii video by Chuck Ashton
Within a rain forest and situated on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay can begin with a morning rainbow from early rains flowing down the waterfalls of the tall lush mountains reaching into the ocean's Hanalei Bay. Whether snorkeling to see Hawaii's colorful marine life, surfing long rides on crystal waves, hiking along the Kalalau Trail, or simply communing with nature, people often feel overwhelmed by Kauai's natural beauty.
Hanalei Bay is experiencing an environmental crisis because the coral reefs are dying from a disease that is rapidly spreading to other marine life. Mark Carpenter of "Hawaii News Now" presented a video news story on April 2, 2013 that gives an overview of the coral disease epidemic that threatens Hawaii's reefs, once valued by a NOAA study at more that $33 billion dollars. (See Scientists to Investigate Coral Crisis on Kauais North Shore)
In his report, Carpenter interviewed USGS Wildlife Disease Specialist Thierry Work, Ph.D, who said, "If you look at these corals, they are losing tissues and we think it's associated with a cyanobacteria, which is a type of algae that is eating the coral basically."
Greta Abey, Ph.d, a coral expert with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology at UH, stated to Carpenter, "The disease outbreaks are the final straw that will break the camel's back . . . they are at the tipping point and they are starting to tip over."
Dr. Work, head of infectious disease for USGS, has been diving at several locations along Kauai's North Shore with Don Heacock, Kauai district aquatic biologist for the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources, and Terry Lilley, Hanalei-based diver and biologist.
Terry Lilley placed photos and videos of the progress of the coral disease on the website, Hawaiian White Coral Disease – Hawaii Reefs in Crisis.
White Coral Disease - Video by Terry Lilley
Dr. Work stated the reefs are dying to reporter, Chris D'Angelo of the "Garden Island News," April 19,2013.
In his report, D'Angelo stated that the coral are experiencing an outbreak of a deadly coral disease that consists of three different bacteria working together which may be targeting more than one species of Montipora coral. Don Heacock stated this disease is the first he has seen in his 31 years as an aquatic biologist.
The coral are a fragile ecosystem forming the reefs that become the habitats of thousands of fish and other marine life. By growing to shape the bottom contour of the ocean, the reefs also function to form the waves coming towards shore. The coral reefs also protect the land and shore from erosion by larger wave action. Historically, Hanalei Bay has been known as one of the longest surf breaks. However, Terry Lilley stated in an email to us that he believes the ride is about half as long as it once was due to the dying coral.
D'Angelo stated, "One thing all three researchers agree on is that something is causing significant amounts of stress and rapidly killing corals in Kauai's coastal waters."
The research scientists have several theories of the cause or causes of this infectious white coral disease. NOAA's Coral Reef Information System (CORIS) discusses the hazards and threats to coral reefs, both natural and anthropogenic (human). NOAA states, "One of the most significant threats to reefs is pollution, a term used to describe numerous types of human-induced marine discharges." According to NOAA, "As human populations and coastal pressures increase, reef resources are more heavily exploited, and many coral habitats continue to decline."
Another cause of stresses to the fragile coral could be the repeated hits of pressure waves created by the U S Navy sonar exercises near Hanalei Bay. Whales have repeatedly been stranded in the Halalei Bay when the Navy performs sonar exercises. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NDRC) documents the incidents in 2004, 2006, 2008 and explains how lethal sounds harm and kill whales and other mammals.
A team of scientists from NOAA is joining the researchers in Kauai. D'Angelo reported the team will stay into May and will be led by coral disease specialist Bernardo Vargas-Angel. The team will augment previous efforts started last year by both USGS and UH.
D'Angelo reported that Dr. Work said the east side of Hanalei Bay (Waipa) is the most affected by the disease and the area is littered with the white skeletons of dead coral colonies. Both Dr. Work and Dr. Greta Aeby have been studying the coral disease since September 2012. Dr. Work stated the amount of sediment in the water there as "horrible." Dr. Work said that Kauai's reefs are trying to tell us something and the community should be listening. He said much can be done to address local problems, including land-based pollution and overfishing.
Hanalei Bay Watershed and the Ancient Ahupua'a
Hanalei Bay Watershed Image – Google Maps
The Hanalei community could gain knowledge from the traditional Hawaiian approach to sustainable watershed management, the ancient ahupua'a. Hawaii History defines ahupua'a as "the basic self-sustaining unit, extended elements of Hawaiian spirituality into the natural landscape. Amidst a belief system that emphasized the interrelationship of elements and beings, the ahupua`a contained those interrelationships in the activities of daily and seasonal life."
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
The Ancient Hawaiian Ahupua'a-Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Limahuli Garden and Preserve Kawika Winter Diretor / Video by Hawaii Stream1
"Limahuli Garden and Preserve (Natonal Tropical Botanical Gardens) is an example of sustainability that can teach us many lessons. Ahupua'a is a system of organizing a watershed into units that can be managed by experts in such topics as taro growing, fish farming, forest harvesting etc. Each island is divided into areas served by a stream, from the mountain top to the ocean where it emptied. Each area was self-sufficient and the culture ensured that each generation had experts in the necessary skills. Limahuli is the only place in the world where the original Hawaiian rainforest is being recreated.
Expressing the balance of culture and nature, many find Hanalei Bay a spiritual experience. For example, a "Paddle-Out" is a memorial ceremony to celebrate the life of someone who loves the ocean, frequently a surfer. A beautiful Paddle-Out in memory of Andy Irons, Three Time World Surfing Champion, occurred on November 14, 2010 in Hanalei Bay. The video shows the complete Memorial Paddle-Out for Andy Irons and the beauty of the experience on Hanalei Bay.
Andy Irons Memorial Paddle-Out on Hanalei Bay / Video by TransWorld Surf
Opportunity to Become a National Marine Sanctuary
The National Ocean Council released the final National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan on April 16, 2013, which, among many actions, calls for the reactivation of the National Marine Sanctuary Evaluation, which is a Sight Evaluation List (SEL). According to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, "Once reactivated, the SEL will provide communities with an opportunity to recommend new national marine sanctuaries for consideration."
Many resources are available to communities who wish to be placed on the list for marine sanctuary consideration. The National Ocean Council's portal for data, Ocean Community / Ocean Information, and decision tools to support people engaged in regional marine planning for the future use of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. Another tool is the "Spotlight on Ocean Uses"
Conclusion
Hanalei Bay is experiencing an environmental crisis, and the community needs to work together to heal the bay and Hanalei River. Hanalei River was designated an American Heritage River in 1998, and the lower portion of the river flows by the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Asking for national marine sanctuary designation could be a community-based project advised by all who use the bay.
Hanalei Bay and San Luis Bay are special places where people use the ocean frequently for recreation, commerce, national security, sustenance, education, and cultural and spiritual renewal. Marine sanctuary designation would enhance these special places and preserve and enhance their integrity for future generations.
"National marine sanctuaries embody our nation's commitment to preserve the best of our ocean for future generations," said Jason Patlis, President and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. (See: NMSF Applauds National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan)
"The ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes provide jobs, food, energy resources, ecological services, recreation, and tourism opportunities, and play critical roles in our Nation's transportation, economy, and trade, as well as the global mobility of our Armed Forces and the maintenance of international peace and security." (See: President Barack Obama)
The mission of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries is to serve as the trustee to conserve, protect, and enhance marine sanctuary biodiversity, ecological integrity and cultural legacy. There are only 14 National Marine Sanctuaries in the United States. Now, before special coastal places are destroyed by human actions, is the time to designate more marine sanctuaries.
Our June article for SLO Coast Journal will discuss the environmental threats to San Luis Bay and give an update to the research on White Coral Disease in Hanalei Bay, Hawaii.
Hanalei Bay / Photo by Terry Lilley
