The Living Reef
This report provides an overview of coral reefs in Hawai‘i, including the benefits they provide to people and nature, their cultural significance, the threats they face, and potential actions to improve their management.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Fisheries
- Ecosystem management
Introduction
The South Kohala Conservation Action Plan Roi Research Report presents findings from a long-term study examining the feasibility, cost, and ecological effects of removing invasive roi (Cephalopholis argus), also known as peacock grouper, from coral reefs in South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island. Conducted by The Nature Conservancy Hawaiʻi Marine Program in partnership with government agencies, researchers, and local fishing communities, the project focused primarily on reefs at Puakō. Through scientific monitoring, experimental fish removals, tagging studies, and community-based spearfishing events, researchers assessed whether targeted roi reduction could improve native reef fish populations and coral reef resilience. Results showed that roi populations could be reduced by more than 90% and maintained through periodic removal efforts, with recolonization occurring slowly over time. The report documents management costs, removal best practices, monitoring protocols, and community engagement outcomes. While no statistically significant improvements in native fish communities were detected during the first two years following removal, the study concludes that roi suppression is operationally feasible and provides valuable information for future invasive species management and coral reef conservation in Hawaiʻi.
Suggested citation
The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources. 2007. The Living Reef. The Nature Conservancy. Honolulu, HI. 24 pp.