What is REEF?
REEF is an organization that deals with the community to help preserve the fragile ocean ecosystems that we live in. They work with community members such as, divers and other marine enthusiasts to educate and help conserve the marine environment. They also help to turn people into ocean stewards and citizen scientists.
What does REEF stand for?
REEF stands for,
The Reef Environmental Education Foundation
What did we do?
Working the the REEF foundation the Kihei Charter Science class lead by our facilitator, Mr. Marggraf; we did our own survey at Ko'ie'ie Fishpond. This is a Historical site as well as a hub for research into the marine ecosystem. Using snorkel gear and observation skills we were able to mark down and record the marine species we observed in the pond.
Using the knowledge from our classroom work dealing with fish species and the ocean ecosystem we were already prepared to get into the water and do our own surveys. The conditions at Ko'ie'ie were moderate. Due to the past rainy season runoff from the surrounding area has contaminated the pond with silt. With the build up of the silt, this made water visibility very poor. As we have learned in the past, this fishpond used to be silt free and hosted a variety of fish species.
If you would like to learn more about the REEF survey's and what you can do in your area, please visit their website at:
http://www.reef.org/
REEF is an organization that deals with the community to help preserve the fragile ocean ecosystems that we live in. They work with community members such as, divers and other marine enthusiasts to educate and help conserve the marine environment. They also help to turn people into ocean stewards and citizen scientists.
What does REEF stand for?
REEF stands for,
The Reef Environmental Education Foundation
What did we do?
Working the the REEF foundation the Kihei Charter Science class lead by our facilitator, Mr. Marggraf; we did our own survey at Ko'ie'ie Fishpond. This is a Historical site as well as a hub for research into the marine ecosystem. Using snorkel gear and observation skills we were able to mark down and record the marine species we observed in the pond.
Using the knowledge from our classroom work dealing with fish species and the ocean ecosystem we were already prepared to get into the water and do our own surveys. The conditions at Ko'ie'ie were moderate. Due to the past rainy season runoff from the surrounding area has contaminated the pond with silt. With the build up of the silt, this made water visibility very poor. As we have learned in the past, this fishpond used to be silt free and hosted a variety of fish species.
If you would like to learn more about the REEF survey's and what you can do in your area, please visit their website at:
http://www.reef.org/
What is Ko'ie'ie Fishpond?
Well, Ko'ie'ie Loko I'a is just one part of the ancient Hawaiian fishponds for the South Maui area, where in ancient times was known as the Kamaole area. This particular fishpond is the Loko Kuapa pond. Ko'ie'ie meaning, "rapid current" is one of the last remaining ancient fishponds on Maui, and in the South Maui area. This particular pond was reserved for the Ali'i of the village or the chiefs in our terms. Plans are underway and in the works to restore this pond to it's original working fashion by volunteers and community members. It would serve as a learning center to show people what the ponds were for and how they were created. It would also show the importance in preserving this part of history of the Hawaiian Islands.
To learn more information on what part you could play in the restoration process of Ko'ie'ie please visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Sanctuary website. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Sanctuary is directly adjacent to the Ko'ie'ie Fishpond.
There Website:
http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/
