Together we can save Hawaiʻi’s reefs.
For generations of Hawaiians, pono has been the practice of living in balance. And with Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs severely threatened due to various human activities, understanding our role in the fragile balance of our reef's ecosystem has never been more critical. We believe if we live this practice of pono through our fishing we’ll ensure healthy reefs teeming with life for ʻohana to come.
But we must begin now.
“By taking care of the reefs, herbivores, like uhu, are taking care of us. Please say YES to choices that preserve the ocean and the people so that keiki like me can grow up in a healthy Hawaiʻi."
Artist: Stella Rich (age 7)
No gardeners, no gardens.
When herbivores — our reef’s lawnmowers — such as uhu, nenue, surgeonfish, and sea urchins are in low abundance, coral reefs get overrun with seaweeds, and begin to suffocate and die. These ever important lawnmowers, especially the uhu, must be abundant and thriving for seaweeds to remain in check, our corals to survive and flourish, and our beaches to get their essential, desperately needed sand.
Who fishes pono.
“The more time you spend in the ocean, the more time you spend asking questions about the health of the ocean. To me fishing pono is fishing with gratitude. Fishing with the ocean in mind. And fishing with the future in mind. The ocean saved my life, and I want to save her right back.”
Kimi Werner, Champion Spearfisher
“Our uhu and other seaweed eaters keep our reefs healthy so new coral can grow. More coral means more fish for our keiki and our ʻohana. We need to give our uhu a break. You can be the hero that saves our reef. Fish Pono!”
Brian Keaulana, Waterman
“We need the uhu more than ever. We just can't keep taking and taking. We have to let things regrow. It's a beautiful ecosystem and we have to take care of it. Not just for tomorrow, but for generations down the road, for our kids, for our grandkids.”
Mark Cunningham, Waterman
“We need to know how the systems of life actually work; the relationship. The herbivores and uhu play their part. Take responsibility for what you're supposed to care for. Do that and believe other people in the world are going to do the same.“
Nainoa Thompson, Navigator
“Fishing is a privilege predicated on first caring for your resource. Really good fishermen are the best conservationists because they care about their resource, not just today and tomorrow, but next year and for their children.”
Dr. Randy Kosaki, Marine Scientist
How we fish pono.
1
We fish only what we need to feed ourselves and share with our immediate family. We fish for our table not the freezer. By taking only what we need and not what we can, we allow our fisheries to replenish.
2
We avoid taking many uhu that help keep reefs clean and thriving. We also avoid taking too many other herbivores like chubs, surgeonfish, and sea urchin that play their part in coral reef health as well.
3
We pass on our knowledge. When we see someone taking too many fish vital for reef health, we speak up and honor the opportunity to educate. It’s everyone’s kuleana to fish pono.
