Hawaii Conservation Conference 2009 - Climate Change
By The Hawaii Conservation Alliance
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Podcast Description
The Hawaii Conservation Alliance hosts the annual Hawaii Conservation Conference (HCC) in July. Now in its 17th year, The Hawaii Conservation Conference is the largest gathering of people actively involved in the protection and management of Hawaii’s natural environment.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VideoBen Namakin | Ben Namakin Plenary Speaker, July 29 Hawaii Conservation Conference. Ben Namakin Pacific Islands Climate Revolution Ben Namakin is co-founder of the Pacific Islands Climate Revolution (PICRe), an organizations dedicated to recognizing youth as being under-represented in climate change dialogues, negotiations, and decision-making. He was born in 1980 and grew up on islands in the Pacific, living first in Kiribati and then moving in 1996 with his family to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. Mr. Namakin attended Ponape Agriculture & Trade School, the only vocational high school in Micronesia, and graduated with a Diploma in Agriculture and Marine Science in 2001. In 2002, Mr. Namakin began working for the Conservation Society of Pohnpei as Manager of the organization’s Environmental Education & Awareness Program. He also ran the "Green Road" program that educates students about watersheds, marine conservation, marine pollution, coral reefs, and land-sea connections. As a member of the youth delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference in Montreal, Mr. Namakin addressed the plenary session and contributed to the declaration "Our Climate, Our Challenge, Our Future." He also spoke for the Many Strong Voices at the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia. Mr. Namakin is the founding chair of the International Pacific Marine. Educators Network (IPMEN), a World Wildlife Fund Climate Witness, steering committee co-chair for the Pacific Region and Global Youth, and also serves on the International Steering Committee for a Global Summit of Indigenous Peoples on Climate Change. | 8/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 2 | VideoRamsay Taum | Ramsay Taum Free Public Lecture, July 29, 2009 Hawaii Conservation Conference, Honolulu, HI | 8/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 3 | VideoJerry Mitchell | Jerry Mitchell Plenary Speaker, July 29 Hawaii Conservation Conference, Honolulu, HI | 8/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 4 | VideoStephen Schneider | Stephen Schneider, Free Public Lecture, 2009 Hawaii Conservation Conference, July 29, 2009 | 8/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 5 | VideoThe Importance of Rare Plant Conservation in Large Scale Ecological Restoration | Chipper Wichman presenting. As large-scale ecological restoration initiatives in Hawaii gain momentum, protecting botanical biodiversity must be aggressively undertaken. With 274 plant species currently listed as endangered, Hawaii has the most endangered flora in the US and time is running out. Historically, inadequate funding has constrained successful conservation of these rare species. This must be reversed if a large-scale restoration effort is to be successful. The current Plant Extinction Prevention Program's (PEP) state-wide network of field biologists will be a central component of an effective strategy to prevent extinction however it will require increased staffing and resources to meet our future challenges. The expanded PEP Program will channel genetic material into a stronger, better-funded network of Federal, State, and private seed storage and propagation facilities. The limitations of the current network are exemplified by the state's primary tissue culture lab for rare Hawaiian species. Located at the Lyon Arboretum, this very successful lab is in an aging wooden structure that hardly befits its critical role as a state-wide in vitro mico-propagation facility. Better understanding of rare-plant genetics will be another critical element needed to produce viable populations which are representative of the levels of genetic diversity found in natural populations. A robust network of researchers will be needed to address this vital component of the strategy. Finally, new reintroduction, sanitation, and seed-storage protocols, as well as landowner incentives, will be required to promote the successful establishment of large numbers of rare plants in the large-scale ecosystem restoration projects that Hawaii the Restoration Conservation Initiative (HRCI) will generate. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 6 | VideoThe Hawaii Restoration and Conservation Initiative - an Overview | Christian Giardina presenting. Native ecosystems and the Hawaiian culture they sustain face a stark future. While many landscapes, riparian areas and coastlines across Hawai'i have conservation status, and? restoration and conservation activities by diverse entities proceed on numerous fronts, the potent forces of invasive and exotic plants, animals and pathogens are wreaking havoc on our native ecosystems. The Hawaii Restoration and Conservation Initiative seeks to: i) establish a new dialogue between traditional practitioners, land and water managers, scientists and Hawaii's diverse communities; ii) implement new tools and strategies for conducting restoration and conservation at large spatial scales; and iii) support and mentor a new generation of stewards. To achieve these goals, this initiative requires a comprehensive planning, development and demonstration process that will provide Hawaii with a blueprint for: embracing a new culturally-based land stewardship paradigm; undertaking emergency actions to prevent imminent extinctions and new invasive introductions; establishing a comprehensive statewide assessment; enhancing cultural opportunities; developing new tools; implementing new restoration and conservation strategies; and expanding educational, recreational and economic development opportunities. Although both the scale and scope of this integration are unprecedented in Hawaii, large-scale efforts are the norm for tackling major ecological problems in other regions. Numerous successes at smaller scales across Hawai'i, a new generation of tools based on modern science that permits understanding and managing Hawaiian ecosystems at an unprecedented level of detail and the strength of already established partnerships provide the necessary pieces for achieving large-scale restoration and conservation in Hawaii while also stimulating a new sustainability economy. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 7 | VideoNa `Opihi o Hawai`i Nei: Study Of An Endemic Hawaiian Limpet (Cellana spp.) In The Hawaiian Islands | Shauna Kehaunani Tom presenting. Opihi (Cellana spp.) are one of the most prized species harvested in Hawai`i, due to their cultural significance to Hawaiians and their high economic value. In Hawai`i, opihi are considered the fish of death because they are located in the inter-tidal zone with large wave action, so people risk their lives while harvesting opihi. Opihi are also an important source of protein, vitamins A & D, phosphorous and iron, before foodstuff began to be imported. There are three endemic Cellana species, C. exarata (makaiauli), C. sandwicensis (alinalina), and C. talcosa (ko`ele), distributed throughout Hawai'i. We investigated the distribution and density of opihi during various lunar phases on Hawaii Island and on Pihemanu (Midway Atoll) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to better understand opihi ecology across the Hawaiian archipelago from a cultural perspective. The alongshore transect survey at Puhi Bay, Hilo, Hawai`i revealed that alinalina are larger than makaiauli but exhibit lower densities during all three moon phases. Alinalina are favored over makaiauli, so their lower densities may be attributed to higher fishing pressure of this species. No true opihi were found on Pihemanu and may be due to the lack of connectivity with other populations. This research provided data on previously poorly studied population dynamics and ecology of opihi which are model species for culturally appropriate conservation efforts in Hawai`i for their cultural and economic importance. Further investigation on harvesting pressure of opihi in correlation to their densities at Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Molokai, is underway. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 8 | VideoFatality Monitoring Associated With Wind Energy Development In Hawaii and Throughout The U.S. | Alicia Oller presenting. Wind energy provides a clean, renewable energy source that is in high demand in Hawaii and throughout the United States (U.S.) as a response to concerns about global climate change. As wind power has become more common, the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased. Birds and bats have been identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and associated structures. Fatality monitoring studies are central to understanding what species are directly impacted by commercial wind energy facilities. When designing and implementing fatality monitoring, it is essential to consider the objectives of the study, target species, geographic location, vegetative conditions, topography and other site conditions in order to develop appropriate methods for field surveys and data analysis. Also, as wind energy development becomes more prevalent, impacts to threatened and endangered species may occur. Only a few publicly available studies have been designed to document potential incidental take of a listed species including two wind energy associated facilities in Hawaii authorized by state and federal Habitat Conservation Plans. The correct methods and take calculations are important to understanding the ultimate impact to the viability of a threatened or endangered species population. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 9 | VideoMonitoring and Evaluating Impact of Incidental Take to Protect Species | Edith Nonner presenting. One of the major Hawaiian natural resource management issues that has generated debate is the protection of native ecosystems versus public hunting. Hawaii is unique in that none of the game species hunted are native. Hunting remains a popular and cherished activity for many of Hawaii's residents. However, Hawaii has the highest number of endangered and threatened plant species (377) in the U.S., and management for higher populations of game mammals may potentially have serious negative effect on protected plant species. In response, the Hawai`i Division of Forestry and Wildlife has carried out plant surveys (2003-2007) and developed a game mammal management plan within the Pu`u Anahulu Game Management Area and the Pu`u Wa`a Wa`a Cooperative Game Management Area in North Kona, Hawaii. A Habitat Conservation Plan is currently being developed to avoid and minimize impacts, as well as to contribute to the recovery of protected plant species. In collaboration with partners, the Plan is being developed to deal with potential impacts of game mammal management on listed species and critical habitat of Kokia drynarioides. Avoidance and minimization efforts will focus on protection of remaining high plant density areas, as well as on staff and hunter education. Mitigation strategies contributing to recovery of these species include outplantings and propagation, habitat restoration, as well as consideration of more creative approaches to protected plant species recovery. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 10 | VideoImprovements in Ungulate Management in Hawaii: The Nature Conservancy's Forest Recovery Project | Jason Sumiye presenting. Over approximately two years, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i (TNCH) worked with multiple partner organizations to test and evaluate ungulate control programs and research methods in its preserves. Prohunt and Landcare Research were hired to provide professional animal control and data analysis, respectively; Telemetry Solutions provided GPS animal tracking collars; and TNCH contracted a market study to assess the business feasibility of a local company providing these services. Shortcomings of the project included incomplete datasets from collared animal experiments and an inability to establish a viable local animal control industry. However, data that were collected revealed information about ungulate behavior and valuable lessons learned, based on TNCH analysis. Positive outcomes have included the addition of specially-trained dogs to TNCH's ungulate control teams and standardized use of GIS and GPS tools. In this presentation we will briefly present TNCH's analysis of final data results from collaring research and specific conservation results in 17,000 acres of TNCH preserves. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 11 | VideoOpportunities for Students and Researchers: Protected Species Research and Information Needs | Norma Bustos presenting. Opportunities for students and principal investigators is presented in an overview of specific research and information needs for recovery of endangered and threatened seabirds, waterbirds, bats, nene, and plants, among other species, from the perspective of providing net benefit from incidental take of these species. High priority research needs include, for example, reassessment of nene population status and recovery needs by island; how behavior differs between colonies, and how this affects their population success; determining return rate of released and non-released Newell's shearwaters; investigating movement and use of wetlands by waterbirds, particularly on O'ahu; determining the effect of feral cats and cat colonies on Kona (Big Island) waterbirds; life history of `ape`ape`a (bats); exploring bat avoidance and recovery options; developing species specific propagation techniques for protected plants; and developing a trained wildlife technician workforce within the Hawaiian Islands. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 12 | VideoThe Effects of Rodents on Reproduction in Endangered Plants of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park | Joshua VanDeMark presenting. Rodents, especially rats (Rattus spp.), are well-documented predators of many native Hawaiian plants. The basic biology of many rare Hawai`ian plant species is poorly understood, and the role that rodents have in affecting their reproduction is largely unknown. We investigated factors that may limit the reproductive success of 13 species of rare and endangered plants in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, including impacts by rodents. Each species was monitored on a monthly or bi-monthly schedule and signs of rodent activity were recorded. Evidence of seed predation by rodents was documented through examining the soil seed bank, conducting seed offering trials, and observing fruit both prior to and after dispersal. More than half of the target species displayed signs of damage caused by rodents including predation of reproductive structures, bark stripping, and seed predation. Damage to seed capsules, before dispersal, was as high as 66% in Sesbania tomentosa, and 50% in Melicope hawaiiensis. In the soil seed bank, 99% of M. hawaiiensis showed signs of rodent predation. Seed offering trials showed high rates of predation for Sicyos macrophyllus (47%) and Hibiscadelphus giffardianus (100%). More than 50% of dispersed fruit from Sicyos alba had evidence of rodent predation. ?It is important to understand the extent to which rodents limit reproductive success of individual rare and endangered plant species in order to guide management strategies for preserving the diversity of Hawai`i's flora. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 13 | VideoAt-Sea Detection of Derelict Fishing Gear: An Interdisciplinary Strategy to Address Marine Debris | Kris McElwee presenting. Derelict fishing gear (DFG) is a threat to marine ecosystems, posing entanglement hazards for marine life and smothering the living substrate upon which it settles. Across the Pacific, DFG is recognized as a major environmental threat to coastal and nearshore areas. A regional "hotspot" for DFG is the Hawaiian Archipelago, particularly the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.In response to the threats posed by DFG in coral reef environments and the enormous cleanup costs of removal from the reefs, researchers have explored methods of detecting and eventually removing DFG in the open ocean. A December 2008 workshop brought technical experts in physical and biological oceanography, remote sensing, and unmanned aircraft systems together with individuals with practical expertise in fishing, economics, and marine debris.The specific goals of the workshop included 1) seeking solutions to locating DFG for removal, and 2) consideration of a census of DFG to assess the scale of the problem and determine the fraction of DFG that enters sensitive shallow-water environments. Participants developed a strategy that included steps in each of the following areas: characterizing DFG in the water column, characterizing the operational environment, developing models to predict the location and movement of DFG, and developing remote-sensing capacity to detect DFG. This presentation will review the background of the problem and the strategy that was proposed to improve our ability to measure, detect, and determine methods of addressing DFG, with the ultimate goal of preventing it from affecting our living marine resources. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 14 | VideoImpact of Ocean Acidification on Hawaiian Coral Reefs in the 21st Century | Paul Jokiel presenting. Levels of ocean acidification at twice present day pCO2 will occur during this century unless extreme measures are taken to reduce fossil fuel combustion. The environmental consequences to Hawaiian coral reefs have been demonstrated experimentally. At this level, recruitment and growth of coralline algae (CCA) will be reduced by up to 80-90% and calcifying communities will undergo net dissolution caused by initial loss of the more soluble high magnesium carbonate component. Coral calcification will decrease by 15% to 30% under acidified conditions. Skeletal formation in corals is impaired, but other functions such as coral spawning and coral settlement show little or no difference. The impact of ocean acidification is insidious and is not marked by the dramatic and highly visible mortality events such as occurs with temperature-induced coral bleaching. Rather, ocean acidification leads to decreasing resilience and structural collapse of reefs communities. Quantitative models show that increasing frequency and intensity of bleaching events due to global warming during mid-century will be the dominant cause of reef decline, but ocean acidification becomes increasingly important near the end of the century. Corals in certain geographic regions can tolerate much higher temperatures than Hawaiian corals, so natural selection and genetic adaptation to higher temperature does occur over evolutionary time scales. However, observations on the chemical requirements for calcification indicate that adaptation to levels of increased ocean acidification is not possible. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 15 | VideoProject Niu: STEM and Environmental Education Through Project-Based Learning for K-12 | Erin Nishimura presenting. Project Niu (www.projectniu.org) combines science, technology, and environmental education for K-12 students to engage in scientific examinations of the oceans by exploring the sources and widespread consequences of marine debris. Through this project-based learning opportunity, students deploy custom-made, satellite-tracked sensors from local beaches, then monitor these Niu devices on the Project Niu website as they float at sea. Because these Niu devices are drifters, carried by the ocean's currents and winds in a manner similar to common forms of marine debris (such as plastics, fishing nets, etc.), these high tech "message in a bottle" devices illustrate the earth's physical processes to students while also teaching them about the effect that humans have on the health of the oceans. These experiences with advanced technologies for remotely monitoring the ocean expose students to science, technology, engineering, & math (STEM) but also promote a personal connection with the environment and pose challenging questions about the ecological impact of their own actions and those of society. Project Niu was created by Archinoetics (www.archinoetics.com), a Hawaii-based high-tech research and development company, through funding from the NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program. | 8/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 16 | VideoDr. Stephen Schneider on Climate Change in Hawai`i: Threats and Opportunities, Keynote Speech | Dr. Stephen Schneider presenting. Dr. Schneider is the Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, Professor of Biology, Professor (by courtesy) of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and a Senior Fellow in the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University. Dr. Schneider received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Plasma Physics from Columbia University in 1971. He studied the role of greenhouse gases and suspended particulate material on climate as a postdoctoral fellow at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in 1972 and was a member of the scientific staff of NCAR from 1973-1996, where he co-founded the Climate Project. Internationally recognized for research, policy analysis and outreach in climate change, Dr. Schneider focuses on climate change science, integrated assessment of ecological and economic impacts of human-induced climate change, and identifying viable climate policies and technological solutions. He has consulted with federal agencies and/or White House staff in the Nixon, Carter, Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton and G.W. Bush administrations. Actively involved with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an initiative of the United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization since its origin in 1988 and a contributor to all four IPCC Assessment Reports, Dr. Schneider was Coordinating Lead Author, WG II, Chapter 19, "Assessing Key Vulnerabilities and the Risk from Climate Change" for the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) and a core writer for the AR4 Synthesis Report. This most recent assessment is being used by governments world-wide as the most up-to-date, credible document regarding climate change science, impacts, adaptation, vulnerability, and mitigation until 2012. Dr. Schneider along with four generations of IPCC authors received a collective Nobel Peace Prize for their joint efforts in 2007. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 17 | VideoPublic Lecture: From Local to the Global: Stewardship of the Climate takes Leadership at All Levels | Dr. Stephen Schneider presenting. Public presentation in Honolulu, Hawaii by noted climatologist Dr. Stephen Schneider. Dr. Stephen H. Schneider is the Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, Professor of Biological Sciences, Professor (by courtesy) of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and a Senior Fellow in the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University. Dr. Schneider received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Plasma Physics from Columbia University in 1971. He studied the role of greenhouse gases and suspended particulate material on climate as a postdoctoral fellow at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in 1972 and was a member of the scientific staff of NCAR from 1973-1996, where he co-founded the Climate Project. Internationally recognized for research, policy analysis and outreach in climate change, Dr. Schneider focuses on climate change science, integrated assessment of ecological and economic impacts of human-induced climate change, and identifying viable climate policies and technological solutions. He has consulted with federal agencies and/or White House staff in the Nixon, Carter, Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton and G.W. Bush administrations. Actively involved with the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), an initiative of the United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization since its origin in 1988, Dr. Schneider was co-author of "Uncertainties in the IPCC Third Assessment Report: Recommendations to Lead Authors for More Consistent Assessment and Reporting"in 2000 and the cross-cutting theme paper #4: "Assessing the Science to Address UNFCCC Article 2" in 2004. He has been a contributor to all four IPCC Assessment Reports and is currently a Coordinating Lead Author of Working Group II Chapter 19, "Assessing Key Vulnerabilities and the Risk from Climate Change." For the 2001 IPCC Third Assessment Report (TAR) and the 2007 Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), Dr. Schneider has also been a member of the Core Writing Team for each of the Synthesis Reports, which integrate the contributions of Working Groups I, II and III. The 2007 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report will be used by governments world-wide as the most up-to-date, credible document regarding climate change science, impacts, adaptation, vulnerability, and mitigation until 2012. After decades of work, Dr. Schneider, along with four generations of IPCC authors, received a collective Nobel Peace Prize for their joint efforts in 2007. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 18 | VideoRaising the Blue Continent: Looking to the Past to Ensure a Sustainable Future for Hawai`i | Ramsay Taum presenting. Ramsay is the Director of External Relations and Community Partnerships and Special Assistant to the Dean on Host Culture at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa's School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) where he lectures on host cultural values in the work place. Taum is also founder, CEO and President of the Hawaii based Life Enhancement Institute (LEI) of the Pacific, and Board Chair of Sustain Hawaii, a not-for profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable living and development in Hawai?i and in the Pacific region. Born and raised in Hawaii, he graduated from Kamehameha Schools, attended the US Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration at the University of Southern California. Taum is the recipient of the East West Center Leadership Certificate Program's 2008 Transformational Leadership Award in Sustainability recognizing his work promoting environmental education and sustainability based on the Native Hawaiian Ahupua?a management system. He was also named the 2008 "Who's Keeping Hawaii Green" Individual Educator by Hawaii Home + Remodeling, HONOLULU & Hawaii Business magazines, and was recognized by the University of Hawaii's Pacific Business Center as one of 2009's Stars of Oceania. Mentored and trained by respected Hawaiian elders, he is a practitioner and instructor of several Native Hawaiian practices including ho`oponopono (stress management and conflict resolution), lomi haha (body alignment) and Kaihewalu lua (Hawaiian combat/battle art). He is a recognized cultural consultant who works closely with Hawaii's development, travel, leisure and retail industries integrating Native Hawaiian cultural values and principles into contemporary business models through lectures, training classes, and seminars. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 19 | VideoMonitoring Under Incidental Take Permits For Listed Species | Bill Standley presenting. Permits authorizing the incidental take of threatened and endangered species on state or private lands can be issued by State and Federal regulatory agencies under two types of agreements, Safe Harbor Agreements (SHA) and Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP). In order to issue such permits, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must first determine whether the actions will appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival of the species covered under the agreement. Similarly, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources can only issue a state take license when the permitted actions, along with the mitigation proposed, are expected to provide a "net conservation benefit." Verifying that the assumptions made to make such determinations are correct requires monitoring of both the scope and intensity of the impacts that actually occur and of the effectiveness of the mitigation implemented. The accuracy of such monitoring is particularly critical for HCPs where the mitigation implemented is based on the take observed each year. The ability to detect the take that occurs depends on both the efficiency of the searchers and the persistence of the carcasses over time. Quantifying the benefits of the mitigation actions requires an estimate of the number of individuals of each covered species that will benefit from the mitigation, as well as the effectiveness of those actions. The methodology to monitor such impacts and the mitigation to offset them are not well developed, and the following presentations will discuss some approaches currently being applied in Hawaii, along with specific research needs. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 20 | VideoDown to Earth: Light Attraction Minimization and Monitoring Strategies for Kauai Seabird Habitat | Andrea Erichsen presenting. Planning of the Kaua`i Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan (KSHCP) is underway to provide a comprehensive, long-term solution regarding island-wide incidental take of ao (Newell's shearwater, Puffinus newelli), `ua`u (Hawaiian petrel, Pterodroma sandwichensis), and `ak`ak (Band-rumped storm petrel, Oceanodroma castro) due to attraction to lights and collisions with overhead utilities. KSHCP Planning illustrates a lively interplay between scientific information and practical actions to quickly decrease human impacts on wildlife. Points for discussion will include: an overview of the "take" problem, estimating impacts using best available data, assessing the efficacy of avoidance and minimization practices, ranking the value and feasibility of compensatory mitigation, and implementing scientifically-based monitoring of incidental take on a large spatial scale. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 21 | VideoContributing to Species Recovery and Net Conservation Benefit on Maui: A Kaheawa Perspective | Greg Spencer presenting. Since 2006, Kaheawa Wind Power (KWP) has been implementing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that includes substantial mitigation directed at the endangered nene, (Branta sandvicensis), Hawaiian Petrel, Pterodroma sandwichensis, Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), and threatened Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli) on the island of Maui. The HCP contains provisions that support a range of avoidance, minimization, monitoring, and mitigation initiatives designed to (a) enhance understanding of the interaction between covered species and the wind project, (b) measure direct and/or cumulative impacts or effects, (c) guide species-specific mitigation that will offset these impacts, and (d) provide a net ecological benefit in alignment with species recovery goals. Mitigation for each species is designed to be commensurate with estimated and observed impacts but must also demonstrate a net conservation benefit for the species. Maintaining a net benefit requires that mitigation actions must represent the best available scientific information and address pressing threats and/or principle factors limiting species recovery. Conservation initiatives aimed at providing a net benefit on behalf of HCP-covered species on Maui include improving annual survival and productivity of these species in the wild by controlling predators, improving available habitat, captive propagation, population reintroduction and translocation, and collaboration on research and monitoring that will inform critical management decisions. The development of specific mitigation strategies that complement and enhance ongoing recovery initiatives for these species on Maui will be discussed, along with examples of inherent challenges, biological success criteria, and the importance of collaboration and adaptive management. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 22 | VideoIntegrating Conservation, Management, and Science: Tamaligi (Falcataria moluccana) Control in Samoa | Flint Hughes presenting. The successful management of invasive species - whether in Hawaii or other Pacific Islands - depends on our ability to properly consider and effectively engage the broader social, cultural, and ecological forces under which a given invasion occurs. In American Samoa, the invasive tree Falcataria moluccana (a.k.a.Tamaligi in Samoa and Albizia in Hawaii) constitutes a key threat to the native forests of the National Park of American Samoa (NPSA). This fast-growing, but shade-intolerant tree species readily establishes itself from wind-blown seed in gaps of native Samoan forest. The NPSA invasive species management program has developed successful partnerships with the Samoan villages that lease lands to the park by working with the traditional chief (matai) councils and utilizing local villagers to restore these forests. The involvement of the traditional matai councils has created widespread grassroots support for our conservation goals and management actions to kill established tamaligi trees and allow natural regeneration of the forest. To date over 4,700 mature invasive tamaligi trees have been killed, reclaiming 1,500 acres of forest. A collaborative research program was established between NPSA and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry of the USDA Forest Service to determine the success and impact of the removal of tamaligi trees by NPSA. The collaborations of NPSA with the matai councils, other government agencies, and non-profit organizations has resulted in native forest restoration, research, and outreach which has fostered increased recognition and pride in the natural and cultural resources of American Samoa. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 23 | VideoClimate matching and range expansion in weeds introduced across elevation gradients in Hawai`i | Gabi Jakobs presenting. Climate matching between the site of origin and site of introduction is one approach to predicting the likely range of an introduced species, but invasive species may also expand their ranges into novel environments through adaptation. To investigate the role of evolutionary adaptation in determining invasive species ranges, we studied six European plant species that have invaded along steep environmental gradients of Hawaiian volcanoes and have been introduced repeatedly more than one hundred years ago. Field surveys suggested the occurrence of different ecotypes adapted to differing temperatures. Seeds were collected across elevation gradients from both volcanoes and grown in a greenhouse at cold and warm temperatures over two generations. Populations of some species, especially Hypochaeris radicata, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosella and Holcus lanatus, had a clear home site advantage in germination and growth, indicating a genetic basis for the observed ecotypes, rather than phenotypic plasticity. This pattern was more pronounced in outbreeding than in inbreeding species, suggesting that the genetic diversity and recombination is a key factor that has promoted ecotypic differentiation. These results demonstrate the potential for rapid genetic differentiation during invasion across environmental gradients, resulting in patterns of ecotypic differentiation, similar to those often reported for native species. Multiple introductions and high initial genetic diversity in species may therefore be an essential factor promoting or limiting in the spread of recently introduced species, and efforts should be directed to preventing secondary introductions. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 24 | VideoRemote Sensing and Invasive Weed Management | Stephen Ambagis presenting. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Resource Mapping Hawaii (RMH) developed an approach to map and monitor invasive weed species at the landscape level. Recent improvements to RMH's data acquisition system make it possible to collect image data optimized for visual interpretation at an unprecedented scale of 1.5 cm/pixel horizontal resolution. RMH in cooperation with the University of Hawaii Hilo and native Hawaiian students with Kipuka use this data to detect visually Australian Tree Fern (ATF) and other weeds across approximately 40,000 acres of native forest watershed on Kauai. Initial results indicate the 1.5 cm/pixel image data significantly improves the ability to detect ATF compared to the previously available 15cm/pixel data. TNC is currently using the RMH data to guide ATF control operations in their Wainiha Preserve. Working in partnership with Dr. James Leary (UH / CTAHR) and Interisland Helicopter Company, TNC developed a helicopter-based aerial herbicide application system designed to deliver the smallest effective volume of herbicide to ATF individuals scattered across large areas. ATF coordinates generated from the RMH image data are compiled in the TNC GIS and provided to Interisland Helicopter Company to guide aerial control operations. Weed control coordinates acquired with an on-board GPS during these operations are overlaid on the RMH images to measure weed control progress. Analysis of future datasets and improvements in the technology will enable TNC to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment methods and the rate of weed re-establishment, thus informing their long-range ATF control strategy. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 25 | VideoThe History and Future of Biocontrol in Hawaii under changing conditions | Page Else presenting. This presentation reviews literature on the history of biocontrol in Hawaii, changes in regulatory oversight, methods for biocontrol agent testing, and the potential impact of climate change on biocontrol introductions. Few people are aware that as many as 708 biocontrol agents have been released in Hawaii up to the year 1999 but only 286 became established. Of these, 14% also attacked non-target species. The negative impacts of biocontrol introductions have mainly been due to the lack of host specificity studies and pre-release risk analyses, and weak import regulations. The Board of Agriculture for Hawaii began reviewing applications in 1944. After increased review regulations in 1975, the host specificity of the 51 released biocontrol agents has been 100%. This presentation includes the proposed biocontrol release for strawberry guava as an example, with a discussion of outreach methods needed for varying social attitudes. Society must understand the choices, the risks, and how risks can be minimized. Challenges that will be faced in the future with changing climatic conditions include the difficulty of predicting host-specificity under changing climates and vegetation responses. It is likely that invasive species will be favored under climatic disturbance, making biocontrol tools even more important for managers. However, Hawaii currently has only three quarantine facilities and limited funding for natural resource management. Finding appropriate host-specific agents can be very difficult and time-consuming, so managers cannot rely on biocontrol as the ultimate solution for invasive issues. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 26 | VideoHawai`i, Invasive Plants, Highways, Transportation - Best Management Practices | Shahin Ansari presenting. The purpose of the Hawai`i Department of Transportation's (HDOT) State Noxious/ Invasive Plant Program (SNIPP) is to develop a program to address HDOT's important role in avoiding the introduction and spread of invasive plant species along Hawaii's State roads. Three years of funding have been allotted, with pilot elements of the program being developed on Oahu prior to application to neighboring islands. HDOT has already been proactive on invasive species through: Updating Section 665 (Invasive Plant Species Management) of the construction specifications for North-South Road on O`ahu's Ewa Plain to include protocols for prevention, identification and reporting of invasive plants. Removal of invasive plants along sections of H-3 Freeway, followed by revegetation with native koa; and Dedication of State Planning and Research (SPR) funds towards development of a hydroseed mix to plant highway rights-of-way with native species. The SNIPP program will go beyond these initial activities to develop: A 10-year strategic plan detailing HDOT's invasive species' policies, goals, and performance measures; Incorporating best practices for the control of invasive species into near and mid-term construction projects; An Integrated Roadside Vegetation Manual addressing partnerships with stakeholders; Education and training materials for highway construction inspectors, maintenance contractors and consultants; and Prioritizing, mapping, eradication and control of selected invasive plants. Through SNIPP, HDOT will better integrate itself with other groups focused on invasive species management and control, enabling efficient use of limited resources. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 27 | VideoReproductive Biology of Rare Hawaiian Plants: What Do We Know and How Can We Learn More? | Donald Drake presenting. The native angiosperm flora of Hawaii is renowned for its endemism (89%) and for threats to its conservation. Of the approximately 1158 named angiosperm taxa, 269 (23%) are federally endangered, and similar numbers are either being evaluated for listing or are presumed extinct. Many taxa are extremely rare, with at least 150 being represented by natural populations of fewer than 50 individuals. We have surveyed the literature for published data on the reproductive biology of endangered Hawaiian plants, including aspects of breeding system, pollination biology, seed dispersal, seed predation, seed germination and dormancy, reproductive phenology, and population genetics. For all but a very few species, little data have been published beyond what a plant's floral traits allow us to infer about its mating system. More research is clearly needed. We briefly discuss some of the opportunities and constraints that affect the ability of researchers to collect publishable data on rare Hawaiian plants. Our goal is to spark interesting discussions between research scientists and conservation managers, leading to more efficient use of our complementary skills, and ultimately to improve the effectiveness with which data are collected and applied to the conservation of rare plants. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 28 | VideoSeed Dormancy/Germination of Hawaiian Montane Species: Meeting Goals of Basic Science and Management | Carol Baskin presenting. One of our lifetime research objectives is to understand the world biogeography of seed dormancy/germination; thus, we need information for species from throughout the world. Conservationists attempting to restore or rehabilitate plant populations also need information on how to germinate seeds, and fulfillment of these common goals is illustrated by studies on species in the montane zone of Hawaii. The tropical montane zone was not included in the world biogeography of seed dormancy diagram in "Seeds..." due to lack of information. As a result of collaboration with many people in Hawaii, we now have germination data for 188 species from the Hawaiian montane zone. A dormancy profile, showing proportion of species with nondormant seeds (11.2%) and the five classes of dormancy [morphological (MD, 3.7%), morphophysiological (MPD, 20.7%), physiological (PD, 52.1%), physical (PY, 11.2%) and combinational (PY+PD, 1.1%)] has been constructed. Significant discoveries include MD and MPD in the lobelioids, epicotyl dormancy in Psychotria mariniana, and deep PD in Leptecophylla tameiameiae. In some species, PD-break occurs over a range of temperatures, but in others it requires a relatively low or high temperature. Breaking PD or MPD may take many months; dormancy break/germination of seeds of the same species may differ between islands; and drying seeds may increase dormancy (PY, Sapindus) or break it (PD, Solanum). This collaborative effort is an example of how basic research conducted at a university relates directly to conservation objectives. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 29 | VideoSeed Longevity Research and Seed Banking of Hawaiian Plants | Alvin Yoshinaga presenting. Until recently, little work was done on developing seed banks for native Hawaiian plants because of the widespread belief that seeds of Hawaiian plants were inherently difficult to store. In 1995, the USDA National Seed Storage Laboratory (now NCGRP), the University of Hawai`i Center for Conservation Research and Training (CCRT), and the Lyon Arboretum started a research program that demonstrated that seeds of most Hawaiian plants could be stored. They identified effective storage methods that are now increasing widely used in Hawaiian plant conservation. Standard seed longevity research methods for agricultural seeds assume that an infinite number of expendable seeds are available for research. For rare plants for which few seeds are available, methods need to be modified. Using large numbers of seeds for research improves the quantity and quality of information from the research but decreases the number of seeds available for immediate conservation use. In academic research, experimental design and statistical analysis center around hypothesis testing. In seed longevity research on rare plants, a model based on resource allocation among risky investments may be more appropriate. Despite these constraints, research on longevity of Hawaiian seeds has given important support to NCGRP's studies on improving understanding of longevity of seeds in general. This case differs from others in this symposium in that both NCGRP and CCRT's research is applied research for specific uses rather than basic academic research. Nonetheless, their research has enjoyed both support from working conservationists and fruitful collaborations with basic academic seed science researchers. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 30 | VideoReproductive Biology and Population Genetics of Hawaiian Ferns | Tom Ranker presenting. Native Hawaiian fern species comprise about 17% of the native vascular plant flora and they dominate some ecosystems. Although fern species do not generally suffer any unusual threats relative to those experienced by other plants, they are subject to the same stresses and threats that are leading to the demise of many plant taxa. Various colleagues and I have conducted population genetic studies of 15 Hawaiian fern species in the genera Adenophorus, Asplenium, Dicranopteris, Sphenomeris, and Sadleria. From those surveys we inferred levels and patterns of genetic diversity at three geographic scales: within populations, within islands, and across islands. Although there was some variation across species, we generally found that individual? local populations and/or island-populations exhibited genetic endemism in the form of unique alleles. This genetic uniqueness suggests that conspecific populations on different islands should be managed as distinct conservation-management units. In addition, we inferred that most species reproduced sexually and that most individual sporophytes were produced via outcrossing. In the face of shrinking population sizes, such historically outcrossing taxa are likely to suffer from inbreeding depression due to the increased expression of deleterious alleles normally masked from expression in heterozygotes. Estimates of minimum-viable-population size for the rare species Adenophorus periens suggested that the largest, remnant population of this species may no longer have enough individuals to maintain current levels of genetic diversity over time. These genetic studies are providing insight into 1) evolutionary patterns and processes and 2) the potential impact of alternative conservation management strategies. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 31 | VideoFruitful Partnerships In Plant Reproductive Ecology For Conservation - An Australian Perspective | Caroline Gross presenting. Australia, the largest island in Oceania, has a rich flora (c. 20,000 species) and a diversity of landscapes. Many ecological communities are endangered and 25% of the flora is threatened with extinction. There are many parallels with Hawaiian ecosystems in terms of high endemism and key threatening processes. In Australia, concerns with recovering threatened species have prompted partnerships between researchers and conservation agencies. Bertya ingramii (Euphorbiaceae), for example, is known from <200 plants across three cliff populations in an upland reserve. Field studies revealed that the species is in an extinction vortex due to herbivory, seed predation, asynchronous flowering and an absence of recruitment. Genetic assays showed that covert hybridisation with a congener may best explain poor levels of recruitment in one population. In another example, fertile populations were discovered in a declared sterile-species (Grevillea rhizomatosa, Proteaceae), but more importantly, extraordinary variation in breeding systems was detected over a small area (7km x 8km). Genetic tools and field studies of sexuality revealed that reproductively isolated populations have unexpectedly high levels of gene diversity - a likely consequence of somatic mutations. These studies have assisted management with a re-determination of conservation status and fire management planning. The researchers gained valuable insights into the ecology of rarity, a platform for the training of six research students, five publications and media coverage shared with conservation agencies. Fast tracking of permit applications, facilitated access to reserved populations and field assistance were the most valuable types of support provided by the collaborating conservation agencies. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 32 | VideoAddressing Marine Debris in Hawaii: A Dynamic Statewide Action Plan | Carey Morishige presenting. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program (MDP) has been a partner in efforts to combat marine debris in Hawaii since 2005. Across the Hawaiian Archipelago, a number of efforts are taking place to address the impacts of marine debris. In order to prioritize Hawaii marine debris issues, coordinate between projects, and create a strategic plan of action, the MDP supported statewide planning workshops that began in Honolulu, June 2007. From the initial workshop, partnerships were created and a commitment made to develop a Hawaii Marine Debris Action Plan (HI-MDAP), the first statewide action plan in the nation to comprehensively address the issue of marine debris. The HI-MDAP includes greater coordination among partners, identification of potential avenues for funding, and increased communication. The development and implementation of the HI-MDAP is being supported by the MDP with assistance from the US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9. HI-MDAP partners identified five focus areas for the plan: 1) Research and Assessment, 2) Outreach, 3) Land-based Debris Prevention, 4) Beach Cleanup, and 5) In-water Removal and Prevention. Information on past and ongoing marine debris activities was gathered and new actions brainstormed and discussed in detail. Feasible priority actions are currently being identified. In fall 2009, MDP and EPA will host a final meeting to introduce the new HI-MDAP to key decision makers, managers, and potential supporters. This presentation will highlight the work has that taken place on this plan to date, priority actions for Hawaii, and the next steps for implementation. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 33 | VideoUrban Stream and Storm Water Controls as a Key to Preventing Marine Debris | Randall Wakumoto presenting. The City and County of Honolulu's Storm Water Management Program falls under the Federal EPA's Clean Water Act, where the City is required to implement a program that meets the goals of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The goal of the NPDES program is to reduce pollutants from the City's streams and storm drains to the maximum extent practicable. The permit is broken up into various components targeting specific issues that affect storm water runoff. For example, when addressing the problems associated with marine debris, the City has undertaken a comprehensive storm drain inspection and maintenance program to identify and prioritize their field operations to effectively mitigate the problems associated with trapped materials in the City's existing storm drain system. Another example is through an ongoing pilot street sweeping study that will be used to determine the effectiveness in capturing sediments and debris in certain areas. Other programs or projects such as storm drain retrofits; drainage/water quality improvements; enforcement related to illegal discharges; and public outreach programs like Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Block, in most cases directly affect the amount of marine debris that would otherwise be transported down into our streams and near shore waters. The intent of this presentation will be to summarize these findings and highlight some of the positive benefits of these programs and activities in addressing the City's fight against non point source pollution in a highly urbanized environment. | 8/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 34 | VideoLarge Scale Restoration as an Adaptive Strategy to Climate Change | Boone Kauffman presenting. Climate change represents an unprecedented crisis threatening the native biota of Hawaii. Changes in climatic variables such as temperature, rainfall patterns, drought, and sea level rise will create unknown threshold and nonlinear responses of ecosystems and the species that compose them. Climate changes will likely alter fire patterns, increase spread of diseases, alter nutrient cycling and diminish reproductive success. Native species with narrow ecological tolerances are most threatened while invasive species adapted to a wide range of conditions will likely thrive. The dynamics of native ecosystems and how they will respond to climate change must be understood in order to implement adaptive strategies to that will allow the persistence of the native Hawaii biota. Intact native forests are most resistant to subtle changes in climate. In contrast, land use/land cover change often exacerbates the impacts of global climate change. For example, losses of overstory canopy not only degrades wildlife habitats but also increases in-stand temperature, decreases relative humidity, increases water stress, and increases in the occurrences of wildfire. The greatest and perhaps last opportunity to restore native forested watersheds and the ecosystem services they provide is now. Future changes in climate will certainly increase difficulties in restoring degraded landscapes. Large scale restoration of Hawaii forested watersheds (especially at higher elevations) will create habitats to threatened native fauna, while providing other ecosystem services such as C sequestration and positive effects on water quantity and quality. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 35 | VideoHawaiian Plant Initiative - Retooling the Green Industry | Chris Dacus presenting. Most of the human built environment in Hawai`i is in the lowlands stretching from the ocean to the base of the mountains, including residential communities, vacation resorts, and other places where people live and work. The vegetation in this area is almost completely nonnative. Some of these nonnative plants are invasive and the built environment serves as the vector to invade the remaining natural, native-dominated habitats of Hawai`i. The Landscape Industry Council of Hawai`i, which encompasses the related green industry associations in the State of Hawai`i, has developed a plan to retool the Green Industry over 20 years to reduce the industry's use of invasive plants and dramatically increase the use of native Hawaiian plants. The goal of this retooling is for the built environment to serve as the vector for the spread of native Hawaiian Plants. The strategy includes developing better supply and selection of native Hawaiian plants, fostering greater professional and personal environmental responsibility, and nurturing future green stewards. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 36 | VideoState-wide Assessments: Resource and Condition Mapping for Large-scale Restoration and Conservation | Jonathan Price presenting. Understanding the distribution and condition of Hawaii's natural resources is critical to knowing whether these resources are being effectively conserved. In the context of a large-scale restoration and conservation initiative, detailed information is required to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented prescriptions, to plan for future actions, to efficiently allocate funds, and to justify the expenditure of public funds. The Restoration and Conservation Initiative will develop a multi-tiered approach to assessing resources including a state-wide assessment that builds on the Effective Conservation program as well as agency-wide efforts or organize available spatial information about our natural resources. This approach will include state-wide (broadest scale, coarsest resolution), ahupua`a / watershed Scale (medium scale, 1000s of acres, medium resolution) and project scale (finest scale, 10s to 100s of acres, high resolution). The approach will identify resources of concern including biological, economic, cultural and social health factors. The assessment will also determine limiting factors such as invasive plants and animals, fire, or land-use. Resulting maps and information will help identify data gaps, which will be filled with new spatial layers using on-the-ground and remote sensing based approaches. The result will be a state-wide conservation view of Hawai'i's ecosystems, the successes and the potential target areas where partners can pool resources for efficient action, and an information base for developing a state-wide restoration and conservation blueprint. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 37 | VideoForum: Conservation Land and Culture - Creating Conservation and Cultural Alliances | Numerous presenters. There are a growing number of successful projects and programs in Hawai'i integrating traditional Hawaiian knowledge and culture with conservation. This panel will share with conference members their knowledge and experiences in integrating traditional cultural practices, traditional land and natural resource management concepts, ahupua`a based planning and programs, and land conservation. `Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi `Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi is a non-profit organization first created by native Hawaiians who recognize that Hawaii's unique native plants, animals, and ecosystems represent a vital cultural resource in danger of extinction. We believe that Hawaii's native ecosystems provide the cultural heart of its people, the basis for traditional material culture, and constitute what makes the Hawaiian link to a land unique in the world Ka`ala Farm, Inc. Ka`ala Farm, Inc. is a Cultural Learning Center and a community organization, existing at the intersection of several related fields/areas of operations: Education Hawaiian cultural preservation and perpetuation: Cultivation of traditional knowledge in the modern world Aloha `Aina (and environmental advocacy) Resource management Community organizing and economic development Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Established in 2000 for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional Native Hawaiian culture and natural resources, the Ala Kahakai NHT is a 175-mile trail corridor full of cultural and historical significance. It traverses through hundreds of ancient Hawaiian settlement sites and through over 200 ahupua'a, or traditional sea to mountain land divisions. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 38 | VideoWorkshop: Developing Your Potential as an Environmental Leader in Hawaii | Sharon Ziegler-Chong facilitating. Thursday, July 30, 2009, 10 AM-12PM Room 312 E welina mai Nahululeihiwakuipapa! We encourage professionals just entering the environmental field and students of all ages to join us in the inaugural gathering of HCA's Emerging Professionals group for a morning of networking and interactive workshops. We've listened to both the needs of young professionals and local agencies to develop this time of interaction. Through discussions with your peers and seasoned conservation professionals, we'll analyze what it takes to be an environmental leader in Hawai`i and help identify your individual skills and strengths to help harness you passion in creating a successful future for Hawai'i's native environment and culture. Be prepared to listen, share, and participate in our activities and skill building exercises. Success of our time together depends on your involvement and enthusiasm for Hawai'i's future. See you there! Nahululeihiwakuipapa: The feathers in a sacred lei made by placement one upon another. Once students, now young budding professionals, you now approach a time of great significance. Session Chairs: Sharon Ziegler-Chong, Moana Ulu Ching, and Noelani Puniwai. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 39 | VideoThe University of Hawaii at Manoa Graduate K-12 Program: Integrating Research with Environmental Ed | Kanesa Duncan presenting. The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12) Program builds partnerships that incorporate research in the environmental fields of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) into standards-based K-12 education. Partnerships between scientists, teachers and students, as well as schools and community organizations, enhance environmental education by integrating current research and cultural practices into science curriculum. Teachers and students experience cutting-edge scientific research first-hand, and the GK-12 fellows gain research assistance while improving their ability to communicate to students, teachers, and the broader community. Highly successful UHM GK-12 partnerships have evolved from a wide range of scientific questions, based in fellows? research, from population genetics to watershed ecology to invasion biology. These partnerships expose K-12 students to a variety of study organisms, including invasive ants, native seabirds, deep-sea algae and hammerhead sharks. In each partnership, the UHM GK-12 model maintains a balance between accuracy of data collection, communication of scientific processes, and educational goals. By the nature of the research in EECB fields, UHM GK-12 projects, are multidisciplinary, authentic, grounded in local issues, aligned to school learner goals and relevant to both the public and the scientific community. Ultimately, successful partnerships highlight the importance of environmental education in developing a productive and capable citizenry. Students have opportunities to engage in authentic learning experiences and possibly train for future careers in environmental research, education and policy. Our presentation will highlight example GK-12 projects and provide suggestions for establishing and soliciting successful partnerships. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 40 | VideoGetting Their Feet Wet.....NOAA Explorations for Kids | Patty Miller presenting. The ocean is a "living classroom" just waiting for you and your students to explore. Students of today are going to be responsible for protecting our marine environment. Understanding the ocean from both a physical and biological point of view is vital to being able to protect it. Students need to understand how a healthy marine ecosystem functions, why they are important, what can impact them and what we can do to protect them. The study of the ocean and marine world needs to go beyond the classroom. Students and teachers need to get their feet wet and get involved in hands-on explorations and to investigate issues. Marine science can easily be integrated into everything you do in your classroom. This session will share a variety of resources that will help you integrate standards based marine science into your lessons. We will also share ways and sites to get students out into the water and participating in marine monitoring projects. The goal of marine education is to raise a population that become stewards of our ocean. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 41 | VideoThe Hawai`i Nature Center Experience at Pouhala Marsh | Pauline Kawamata presenting. Beneath canopies of trees, in sunny marshes, and beside rushing mountain streams, Hawaii's children are discovering the wonders of our island home first-hand in the great outdoors at the Hawai`i Nature Center (HNC). As a private, non-profit organization, HNC's purpose is to foster awareness, appreciation and understanding of Hawai`i and encourage wise stewardship of the Islands in the future. This is accomplished through hands-on environmental education field experiences for school children, families and the public. Volunteer programs play a vital role in the success of environmental education. One example of a successful volunteer program is the wetland restoration effort at Pouhala Marsh. Pouhala Marsh, located in the West Loch of Pearl Harbor, is the last remaining natural wetland habitat on O`ahu's south coast and has been identified as a crucial resource for the protection and habitat for several Hawaiian plants and animal species. In a combined effort with other agencies, HNC began monthly service projects in December 2001. Since that time, over 1,700 volunteers have restored habitat areas for the endangered wetland birds and teaching sites for HNC's wetland education programs. The volunteer effort is combined with on-site wetland education presentations done by HNC and partner agencies prior to the start of each work day. Volunteers begin to understand and appreciate the importance of their hard work. Several other key elements are also incorporated with each work day in order to maintain a successful volunteer program and keep the volunteers happy, motivated and willing to come back for more! | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 42 | VideoOutdoor Education at The Waihee Refuge | Denby Freeland-Cole presenting. Maui Coastal Land Trust is a 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve and protect coastal lands in Maui Nui for the benefit of the natural environment and of current and future generations. Since our inception in 2001 we have protected almost 4000 acres of coastal property on Maui and Molokai. In July of 2004 we purchased the 277 acre Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetlands refuge with the intention of conducting ecological restoration, protecting and preserving the numerous archaeological and cultural sites and providing a venue for educational programs. The Waihee Refuge conserves and protects coastal, spring-fed wetland, dune ecosystem, marine shoreline and riparian habitat for the recovery of native birds and native vegetation. Establishment of the Refuge eliminated the possibilities of development activities that could damage or destroy the rich archaeological and cultural resources that exist at the site. Permanent protection of the site provides the opportunity for careful planning and appropriate preservation and/or restoration. The Waihee Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity for the children of Maui to connect with the historical and cultural roots of the island. Student groups visit the site to learn the natural and cultural history of the area. The developing programs at Waihee offer a variety of learning opportunities for students in kindergarten through high school. Students' time at Waihee may include such activities as becoming familiar with the native flora and fauna, studying Hawaiian culture, or assisting with ecological restoration. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 43 | VideoEffects of Eradication and Control of 2 spp. of Invasive Ants on Offshore Islets in Hawaii | Sheldon Plentovich presenting. Invasive species eradication and control are vital components of the conservation and management of many native ecosystems. Invasive ants, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate, have been largely overlooked despite the fact that many species have expanding ranges, can reach exceptionally high densities, and often cause catastrophic changes in ecosystems. We experimentally tested the effects of hydramethylnon on two species of invasive ants (Pheidole megacephala and Solenopsis geminata) on two pairs of offshore islets. In year one (i.e., 2002), P. megacephala was the most abundant arthropod on islets in pair 1 while S. geminata was the most abundant arthropod in pair 2. Following treatments with hydramethylnon, P. megacephala was not detected on the treated islet in pair 1 from 2003-2008.? In pair 2, S. geminata numbers declined, but the species remained present on the treated islet from 2003-2005. During these periods ant densities remained high on untreated islets. Reduced densities resulted in increased weight and fledging success of wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) chicks and increased leaf cover in the native plant Ilima (Sida fallax) on pair 2. Substantial changes in the ant community were observed from 2003-2008 following the eradication of P. megacephala, including the appearance and spread of the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes). This invasion coincided with declines in number of seabird chicks. We conclude that hydramethylnon can be used to effectively eradicate P. megacephala; however we recommend it be used cautiously, as part of an adaptive and integrated plan that includes continued monitoring and management. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 44 | VideoThe Prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the Main Hawaiian Islands | Jaynee Kim presenting. Recently, there has been an outbreak of eosinophilic meningitis on the island of Hawaii, attributed to the nematode parasite, Angiostrongylus cantonensis. At present, the symptoms can be treated but there is no known cure. Therefore, it is imperative to gain more knowledge of this parasite's vectors and prevalence throughout the Hawaiian Islands, which will permit their detection, monitoring and possible eradication. The definitive hosts of A. cantonensis are rats and the intermediate hosts are snails and slugs. However, it can infect a wide range of accidental hosts, including humans. Specimens from snail and slug surveys previously undertaken throughout the main Hawaiian Islands were selected for screening for A. cantonensis, specifically five snail and slug species known from the literature to be intermediate hosts of A. cantonensis: Achatina fulica, Bradybaena similaris, Laevicaulis alte, Parmarion martensi, and Veronicella cubensis. Specimens were screened from Oahu and Hawaii Island. Following extraction of total DNA from these snails and slugs, Angiostrongylus-specific primers were used to detect the presence of the parasite. Digestions of snails and slugs were also done to release nematode larvae and corroborate the genetic results. All species examined except for B. similaris tested positive for A. cantonensis. Future work will extend the study to all main islands and to additional snail and slug species to obtain a comprehensive picture of the distribution of A. cantonensis. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 45 | VideoRecent Defoliation of Koa on East Maui by the Endemic Caterpillar (Scotorythra paludicola) | William Haines presenting. For at least the last century, koa forests on the islands of Maui and Hawaii have been defoliated by caterpillars of the endemic moth Scotorythra paludicola. These outbreaks are apparently natural phenomena, occurring relatively infrequently and causing low tree mortality. However, there have been two major outbreaks on East Maui in the past 6 years (2003-2004 and 2008-2009), defoliating about 16km2 of koa forest in Kipahulu Valley and Makawao Forest Reserve, and resource managers are concerned that defoliation in today's environment allows understory weeds to establish, and?that more frequent outbreaks may cause higher tree stress or mortality. Triggers for outbreaks are unknown, as are the likely effects of climate change on their frequency. Here we report on monitoring of S. paludicola in Makawao Forest Reserve, and possible factors influencing populations. To examine abiotic factors, we analyzed the predictive effect of temperature and rainfall on outbreak occurrence during the past 100 years. We did not find a significant effect of either, although our analyses were limited by a small number of outbreaks reported in the literature, and there is some evidence that low rainfall might precede outbreaks. To monitor populations of caterpillars and parasitoids, we collected and reared over 1000 caterpillars in recent years. All parasitoids reared from caterpillars were non-native, although native parasitoids have been documented from S. paludicola in the past. Long term, quantitative monitoring of moth populations, local climate, parasitism, and other factors will be necessary to get to the bottom of these outbreaks. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 46 | VideoAn Update on the Status of Biocontrol Programs for the Erythrina Gall Wasp Quadrastichus erythrinae | Darcy Oishi presenting. The Erythrina Gall Wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was discovered on Oahu in April 2005, and within six months the species had spread across the Hawaiian Islands. EGW infestation has resulted in chronic defoliation and mortality of thousands of Erythrina trees, including E. variegata, E. crista-galli, and the endemic wiliwili tree, E. sandwicensis. Using classical biological control methods, researchers from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the University of Hawaii imported natural enemies of EGW from the purported native range in East Africa. Of the potential natural enemies screened, two wasps, Eurytoma erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) and Aprostocetus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), were selected to undergo the extensive risk assessment process. HDOA concluded testing for E. erythrinae in January 2007. After obtaining approval from USDA and the State of Hawaii, field releases were initiated in November 2008. To date 3840 adult E. erythrinae have been released at field sites on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Eurytoma erythrinae have been recovered from field release sites on all islands but it is too early to quantify establishment. It is unclear whether a single natural enemy will effectively suppress EGW populations. Therefore, the assessment of Aprostocetus sp. continues and is near completion. Field release permits will be sought in 2009. The objective of this presentation is to provide a current overview of E. erythrinae release and establishment, and a summary of Aprostocetus sp. host-range testing. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 47 | VideoA Biogeographical Comparison of Invasive Forest Weeds in Hawai`i | David Benitez presenting. Plant invasions are economically and ecologically costly. Research suggests a species may differ physiologically and ecologically between invasive and native ranges and these differences may enhance invasiveness. We examined biogeographical growth and defense differences of three aggressive invaders in Hawaiian forests: the tree strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum, the shrub Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta) and the herb cane tibouchina (Tibouchina herbacea). In quarantine in Volcano, Hawaii, we tested the hypothesis that individuals from invasive Hawaiian populations are faster growing than individuals from native South American populations. We will test the hypothesis that invasive Hawaiian plants are less defended chemically and structurally. Seeds of focal taxa were collected in native ranges (Brazil and Venezuela) and introduced ranges (Hawaii and grown in a common garden for 120-180 days. Plant height, mass and relative growth rates were quantified for 30 paired populations. Key structural traits leaf toughness, leaf hair density and specific leaf area will be quantified and feeding trials with specialized insect pests will be conducted to compare plant defenses. Field observations and preliminary results support our first hypothesis; Hawaiian plants grew larger than South American individuals in the common garden and Hawaiian plants were observed larger and more abundant during field collections. Defensive data in support of our second hypothesis would suggest divergent resource allocation patterns implying these weeds are fundamentally different in Hawaiian forests. Understanding these differences can improve our theoretical knowledge of invasions and help develop more effective control strategies. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 48 | VideoNorthwestern Hawaiian Islands, Place-Based Education, Marine Science and Experiential Education | Carlie Wiener presenting. This presentation will highlight the accomplishments of a successful outreach and education program based out of the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), specifically with the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Research Partnership. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI)) serves as an excellent forum for marine education as it is one of the worlds largest fully marine protected areas. Home to one of the last predator dominated ecosystems in the world; the Monument is both rich in cultural heritage and abundant in endemic species. The NWHI helps to inspire local students to explore marine sciences and to work with surrounding community members to increase awareness of Hawaii's unique marine ecosystem. HIMB is distinctive in that its faculty has been conducting ecosystem based research in the Monument for several years. Unique and biologically important science is used to promote an understanding of complex ecological systems and topics such as biodiversity and climate change to communities within the Hawaiian Islands. Using place-based and experiential education, HIMB's program has successfully amalgamated marine science concepts with hands-on activities, teacher development, and classes using interdisciplinary approaches that combine science with the arts and other subjects. Specific projects such as HIMB future marine scientists program, NWHI science tools student activities and HIMB NWHI science and research exploration continuing education course curriculum will be showcased and on display. These programs have worked to generate participatory activities and develop a sense of place in the community, strengthening relationships between schools, neighborhoods, and society. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 49 | VideoLinking Watershed Health to Human Action: The RELATE Project at UH Hilo | Cynthia Phillips presenting. The River Environments Landuse and Ahupua'a Technologies (RELATE) Project at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Bay-Watershed Education Training (B-WET) Grant. The aim of this project is to provide participating high school science teachers with an introduction to the RELATE Project and to provide participating high school students with meaningful outdoor experiences by relating human action on land to possible contamination of the Wailuku, Wailoa, or Ka'ahakini watersheds. The Project period covers the academic year 2008-09. During the project period, project goals were accomplished through in-field hands-on training with data collection methods and equipment, in-class visits by professional scientists, complimentary in-class curricula, in-field data collection, data analysis, and development and implementation of mitigation plans to improve the health of the watersheds. Participating students developed and implemented individual or group research projects. Dissemination of project outcomes were presented in varied formats. While some students chose to create posters, others chose to produce Power Point presentations or research papers. Students from one participating school chose to relate their project outcomes and mitigation plan through involvement in the 2009 Ocean Day community outreach event. Through the provision of meaningful outdoor experiences, students and teachers participating in the RELATE Project have shown increased awareness of stream health and ways in which human action impacts stream and watershed health. Additionally, participants increased the awareness of their local community on these issues through participation in community events. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 50 | VideoTraining Teachers to Use Underwater Robotics to Excite 6th Graders About Science | Doug Knight presenting. The Aholehole Project conducts teacher training for 5th and 6th grade teachers to lead their students in building underwater robots as a platform conducting experiments. So far 500 Windward elementary students have shared the excitement of building the small Sea Perch robots, originally designed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. With help from undergrads from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Engineering, the teachers led their students into Windward's streams, fishponds, wetlands, and ocean waters to test their robots as underwater platforms for conducting experiments. Students used the ROVs to test water quality and collect photographs of underwater life using digital underwater cameras. Getting kids excited about science, using hands-on activities outside the classroom walls, and into the natural environment, was the objective for bringing relevance to the students' science experience. The teachers developed lesson plans to introduce the concepts of the scientific inquiry process, enabling students to see in concrete terms how science can serve conservation efforts by quantifying and assessing environmental impacts on our coastal waters, as well as demonstrating how technology can serve environmental stewardship. Teachers also organized their students to conducted service learning projects related to improving the overall water quality of Windward `Oahu. In an upcoming 2009 NOAA B-WET grant, the project will expand to serve teachers of Oahu's Wai`anae Coast schools and expand to include 7th graders. For more about the project, see: http://thepaf.org/aholehole/ | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 51 | VideoNOAA Honua: Engaging Hawaii's K-12 Students with NOAA Science! | Stephanie Bennett presenting. Recognizing that an educated community is key to understanding and sustaining the nation's ocean and coastal environments, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Services Center (PSC) supports an environmental literacy initiative called NOAA Honua (NOAA's World) for the Pacific region. Elements of this approach focus on educational opportunities for students and teachers, such as the Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Hawai`i Program and the Pacific Science Challenge. B-WET Hawai`i strives to create a population knowledgeable about the environment by supporting organizations that use the outdoors as the context for learning. By using the outdoor environment as a living laboratory, students readily grasp their connection to marine and aquatic ecosystems and immerse themselves in dynamic learning. B-WET Hawai`i funds projects that provide science-based outdoor experiences for K-12 students and professional development opportunities for teachers studying earth sciences, hazards, and climate change. In addition to B-WET Hawai`i, the Pacific Science Challenge is a new program that delivers NOAA science through a weeklong experience that utilizes the classroom and outdoor settings to teach how the scientific method is applied to solve a specific "challenge." NOAA's broad responsibilities extend from the surface of the sun to the bottom of the ocean, so it is fitting that this year's Pacific Science Challenge topic focuses on using technology to understand climate change within an ahupua`a (watershed).PSC, with partnerships and funding, has provided Hawai`i's communities with experiential environmental education programs to inspire and develop the next generation of scientists and natural resource managers. | 8/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 52 | VideoHawaiian Mosquito Biodiversity: Barcoding with Cytochrome OxydaseI Gene Using High-throughput Screening | Accurate morphological identification of field-collected mosquito could be difficult for members of cryptic species complexes or even impossible when parts that would be used in species identification are destroyed. For such cases, DNA barcodes may provide important diagnostic information. Rochiln, I. et al (2007) developed a modified and improved DNA isolation protocol using proteinase K digestion and nucleic acid extraction to permit high-throughput screening of a large number of mosquito specimens for species identification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify high-copy nuclear ribosomal 28S DNA from mosquito legs. Here, we used the protocol to extract mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxydase I (COI) genes which are widely used as DNA barcodes from one leg of each individual mosquito collected from different sites in the Hawaiian islands. We were able to extract mtDNA from mosquito legs and COI genes will be sequenced to confirm identification of Hawaiian mosquito species that will later be tested for infection by pathogens such as avian malaria and avian pox. This method could easily be applied in mosquito surveillance programs in other diversity hotspots that required the use of mtDNA in mosquito species identification.? For example, we will be extending this study to characterize mosquito biodiversity in Thailand across disease transmission and emergence zones | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 53 | VideoHeterogeneity in the Spatial Distribution of Humans and Mosquitoes: Dengue Risk On Oahu | Sophie Vanwambeke presenting. Invasive vectors and pathogens are a major concern in Hawai`i, for both humans and wildlife. Dengue, a threat to 2.5 billion people globally, is in the Haiwaiian Islands an invasive pathogen transmitted by the invasive Aedes albopictus. In the Hawaiian Islands, dengue makes occasional, epidemic appearances, and few quantitative studies have investigated the absence of an endemic transmission cycle. In Hawai`i human activities are heterogeneously distributed in space and time; so are mosquito vectors. A major aspect of the spatial distribution of disease-transmission risk is the interface between human landscape uses and the environment, specifically the location of vector habitats within the landscape, i.e. vector-host contact. To estimate the spatial distribution of humans and Ae. albopictus on Oahu, we map standard data, such as census and surveillance data. To understand transmission risk, we integrate this rich empirical data with concepts from classical vector-borne disease models to estimate the density of vectors per host. Human density is mapped using two different approaches: mapping the population based on residence (as collected in the census), and including recreational areas, which potentially overlap more with the vector distribution. This transdisciplinary application allows us to better understand how spatial heterogeneity in human and mosquito distribution combine to shape the risk of dengue transmission in Hawai`i. Such spatially-explicit information has great potential for allocation of prevention and control resources should dengue reappear, a likely event considering Hawaii's connections with endemic areas, but is also relevant to other invasive pathogen issues, such as avian malaria. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 54 | VideoAvian Malaria in Oahu's Forest Birds | Kira Krend presenting. Anthropogenic forces in the form of habitat change, introduced species, and introduced disease have significantly altered the environment for Hawaiian forest birds. Avian parasites and disease, including avian malaria, are widely recognized as the most important factor preventing the recovery of native forest bird populations in low elevation habitats. With few native forest bird species left, avian malaria has been understudied on Oahu. This study investigated avian malaria at 6 sites on Oahu on over 15 species, including two native species, the apapane and Oahu amakihi. A number of species were identified as reservoirs of malaria, including house finches, chestnut mannakins and apapane. Results indicated year-round transmission of malaria on Oahu. An association between malaria and avian pox was identified, suggesting dual transmission. Oahu amakihi had only a 12% infection rate; the presence of large numbers of uninfected Oahu amakihi in areas with high malaria prevalence in the multi-host community suggests they have evolved disease resistance. Interestingly, Big Island studies of a closely related congener, the Hawaii amakihi, revealed high prevalence of malaria in low elevation populations. These contrasting epidemiologies suggest that amakihi have evolved two different solutions to the same disease induced selection pressures: resistance in Oahu amakihi, versus tolerance in Hawaii amakihi. Oahu amakihi can serve as a model system for understanding disease ecology and the evolution of resistance in Hawaiian honeycreepers. If disease resistance is confirmed, there are significant conservation implications for this species, including identifying resistant genes, as well as translocation of resistant individuals. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 55 | VideoThe Role of Biomedical and Veterinary Science in Elucidation of Disease in Marine Ecosystems | Thierry Work presenting. A balanced approach that incorporates biomedical tools into disease investigations in marine ecosystems is critical. Such an approach involves the proper use of biomedical concepts and terminology to enhance clarity. Investigating disease should follow a logical series of steps including identification of disease, systematic morphologic descriptions of lesions at the gross and cellular level, and then experiments to understand disease pathogenesis and the complex interactions between host, pathogen, and the environment. This model for disease is widely accepted in the medical, veterinary and invertebrate pathology disciplines. Basic epidemiologic concepts to help investigators think systematically about the cause(s) of complex diseases are covered. A major goal of disease investigation is to amass data that will allow the establishment of standardized case definitions to distinguish particular diseases from each other. Concepts and facts amassed over the centuries by medical and veterinary pathologists are invaluable because of the robust comparisons that they enable. Arguments seeking to justify a focus on opportunistic versus primary pathogens detract from the main objectives of disease investigations: to characterize the normal microbiota and physiology of the healthy host; define the ecological interactions within the microbial community associated with the host; and investigate host immunity, host-agent interactions, pathology, pathogenesis, and factors that promote the pathogenicity of the causative agent(s) of disease. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 56 | VideoThe Future of Coral Reefs: Local Actions Can Buy Time, But Not Prevent Decimation, Unless . . . | Robert Richmond presenting. Coral reefs are biologically diverse marine ecosystems of high ecological, economic and cultural value. While these ecosystems have experienced a variety of natural disturbances over geologic time, mounting anthropogenic influences are responsible for extensive coral reef losses over the past several decades, and the potential for recovery is bleak. Over the past century, there have been numerous studies demonstrating a continued loss of coral cover from reefs previously in the 60% - 80% range to levels in the 20% - 30% range. The anthropogenic disturbances of greatest concern in these losses include land-based sources of pollution (runoff, sedimentation, and eutrophication), over-fishing, leading to phase shifts to fleshy algal domination, and mass bleaching events and ocean acidification tied to global climate change. Efforts at integrated watershed management can lead to increased coral recruitment rates following improvements in water and substratum quality. Likewise, protection of populations of herbivorous fishes and invertebrates can reduce the cover and associated sediment retention of invasive and indigenous fleshy algae. Such local measures are critical to the future of coral reefs however even successful programs will ultimately fail in protecting reefs if global climate change continues on its present trajectory. We suggest that aggressive efforts at controlling local stressors can buy several decades of time, and coupled with similarly aggressive efforts at controlling carbon emissions, can insure a legacy of viable reefs for future generations. Without both such efforts, our legacy will be reefs of low cover, low species and genetic diversity, and reduced value. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 57 | VideoConserving Biodiversity on Coastal Lands in Hawai`i | Sam Gon presenting. Native biodiversity found on coastal lands in Hawai'i are threatened by rising sea levels due to climate change, as well as other critical threats. In 2008, The Nature Conservancy completed a statewide assessment identifying conservation targets that represent coastal biodiversity, and mapping these targets across the main islands. The purpose of this biodiversity assessment is to understand the total distribution and viability of these biodiversity targets on coastal lands, as a first step toward anticipating change along coastlines due to development and climate. This evaluation process spotlighted a few key findings and strategies specific to biodiversity on coastal lands: Some targets, such as anchialine pools, are largely restricted to a single island, and require a combination of redundant protection there, as well as efforts to ensure representation across the archipelago. The geographic placement of important coastal areas ties into both terrestrial efforts and marine protection efforts, such that a more holistic approach, mirroring ahupua'a management, can be identified across the archipelago. By filling in the information gap of the statewide status of these biodiversity targets on coastal lands, the need for conservation actions is clearer and more urgent. We have identified a subset of the most viable examples of the coastal conservation targets, such that roughly 20% of the coast is identified as a high priority arena for action. TNC has identified this portfolio of sites necessary for seabirds, anchialine pools and coastal vegetation to persist into the future. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 58 | VideoCharacterizing Patterns of Connectivity in the Hawaiian Islands in the Face of Global Climate Change | Rob Toonen presenting. Over the past five years, we have been working to survey population genetic structure of a broad range of fish and invertebrate species to understand connectivity patterns throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago. By overlaying the shared genetic breaks in many species, we have determined four primary areas of restricted gene flow within the Hawaiian Archipelago. These previously unknown barriers are being used to ground-truth conflicting models of larval dispersal in the Hawaiian Archipelago to better understand connectivity to guide management and conservation efforts. Although we have made considerable progress in understanding existing patterns of connectivity across the Archipelago, what effect will global climate change have on the patterns of exchange that we have discovered to date. Laboratory experiments have begun to demonstrate how global climate change is expected to alter larval life-history, development times, and swimming abilities. Based on these changes, some recent work has predicted dramatic changes to the expected patterns of connectivity for marine organisms. We will discuss what is currently known about patterns of connectivity in Hawaii and outline plans for research to predict future patterns of connectivity in the face of changes to the global climate expected over the next century. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 59 | VideoModeled Changes in Coral Growth and Mortality Over the Next 100 Years in the Hawaiian Archipelago | Ron Hoeke presenting. Climate changes currently underway affect coral population dynamics through broad-scale mortality resulting from increasingly frequent high temperature events (coral bleaching) and through decreased calcification rates due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide/decreasing aragonite saturation state in surface waters (ocean acidification). Associated changes in mean temperatures will also affect mean calcification rates, e.g. in some situations, corals may see an overall increase in calcification rates with warming temperatures, particularly at higher latitudes. In this work, the synergistic effects of ocean temperatures and aragonite saturation on coral growth and mortality are modeled in the Hawaiian Archipelago, defined here to include the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll. Overall large scale changes in coral cover for the next 100 years are projected, based on a synthesis of predicted sea surface temperature (SST) and atmospheric carbon dioxide rise, observed coral growth rates, and observations of mass coral bleaching episodes. Temperature and aragonite saturation predictions are derived from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 4th Assessment Report scenarios using the output from multiple general circulation models (GCMs). A probability analysis of these predictions suggests substantially different patterns of change in coral growth and mortality throughout the Hawaiian archipelago over this century. For example, some regions have higher probabilities of frequent bleaching events, while other regions may have faster rates of subsequent recovery. This suggests spatial patterns of risk and refugia in an overall archipelago wide decline in coral cover by the end of the 21st century. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 60 | VideoA Spatial Assessment of Climate Change in the Context of Human Impacts in Papahanaumokuakea. | Kim Selkoe presenting. Although anthropogenic climate change effects are now ubiquitous, they are often overlooked because impacts are gradual and hard to monitor, especially in a vast area like Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. In our recent cumulative impact assessment of 14 anthropogenic threats affecting the Monument, disease-related ocean warming was found to have the highest expected impact overall, followed closely by the other climate-related threats, reinforcing climate change as a top management concern. We present here four remotely-sensed spatial datasets of climate change effects to date across the Monument: 1)increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation, 2)seawater acidification, and the number of warm ocean temperature anomalies relevant to 3)disease outbreaks and 4)coral bleaching. These maps show that disease-related warming is most intense at the northwest end of the chain, coral bleaching probabilities peaks at both ends of the chain and both increased UV radiation and seawater acidification tended to have high values at the center of the chain. Of the shallow reefs, Pearl and Hermes stands out as having the highest exposure to disease and bleaching according to our metrics. All banks, and Nihoa, Necker and Gardner should have lower impact from climate change threats because they are dominated by deep water areas with lower vulnerability. We highlight where our data suggest climate change impacts are joined by multiple other human impacts creating possible synergisms. Ongoing comparison of these remotely-sensed data with in situ data on bleaching, disease and acidification will aid in groundtruthing this descriptive work at smaller scales and determining true impacts. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 61 | VideoSustainability Science for Watershed Management:A Systems Approach to Efficient Conservation | Kimberly Burnett presenting. In contrast to multidisciplinary research, which delivers largely separate analyses on the same subject matter, sustainability science is transdisciplinary, organizing research to deliver meaningful contributions to critical issues of resource management and public policy. Our approach aims to provide immediate recommendations for groundwater management and watershed conservation investments and a management framework that allows for changes in climate, ecology, and public policies. By quantifying the linkages between conservation, water balance, and ecosystem services, the framework can identify priority watersheds for initiatives such as the federally-mandated Hawaii Assessment of Forest Conditions and Resource Strategy. Climate change and damages to the watershed (e.g. feral ungulates, fire, invasive plant species, and human impacts) change both the amounts and distribution of rainfall into runoff, recharge to the aquifer, and evapotranspiration, in turn changing aquifer head levels, erosion levels, and ecosystem characteristics. Efficient management of the watershed system requires addressing the threats through implementation of conservation instruments. It is the quantity and timing of these instruments that will determine the ultimate consequences and direct conservation funds towards the activities that will reap the highest net benefit. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 62 | VideoState-wide Assessment and Resource Strategies: Minimizing Wildland Fire Impacts in Hawaii | Dawn Greenlee presenting. The Statewide Assessment and Resource Strategies planning efforts are providing new tools for the design and prioritization of measures to minimize fire threat to Hawaii's rich cultural and natural resources. The State Assessment includes compilations of fire history data in addition to LANDFIRE's statewide 30-meter resolution maps of fuel model, existing vegetation type, and condition class. These new statewide GIS layers were produced by Natureserve, The Nature Conservancy, and The U.S. Geological Service's Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS), with local assistance from many contributors including USGS Biological Resources Division, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, the Pacific Disaster Center, the U.S. Forest Service, and the University of Hawaii, and Sanborn. This conference officially kicks off an interagency effort to design high-priority fuel management, fire prevention, and fire preparedness projects for inclusion in Resource Strategies planning documents.USDA project funding will be prioritized on local, regional, and national levels, based on fire threat, value of the resources at risk of burning, and the long-term impact of fire to those resources. Many very high priority projects have already been identified and we appreciate the continued assistance of the many partners who are contributing to this important planning effort. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 63 | VideoApplication of LANDFIRE Spatial Data in Hawai`i Statewide Forest Resource Assessment | Darren Johnson presenting. LANDFIRE, also known as the Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools Project, is a five-year, multi-partner project producing consistent and comprehensive maps and data describing vegetation, wildland fuel, and fire regimes across the United States. As a partner in this project The Nature Conservancy's Global Fire Team is promoting the use of LANDFIRE products both spatial and non-spatial to assist conservation, forest and fire managers across the United States and globally. This presentation will highlight a case study demonstrating how LANDFIRE spatial data is being used by the Hawai'i Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to complete it's Statewide Forest Resource Assessment. Specifically the Existing Vegetation Type (EVT) layer including vegetation cover and height developed by LANDFIRE for the 8 main islands will be used to develop statewide maps of canopy closure, density and height in order to consider the current and projected condition of Hawaii's primary forest types. In addition other spatial products such as the Biophysical Systems (BpS) layer which describes pre-European settlement vegetation conditions can be used to determine ecological departure for existing forest types in terms of vegetation composition and structure across the archipelago. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 64 | VideoStatewide Assessment and Resource Strategy (SWARS): The Urban and Community Forestry Perspective | In her presentation, Ms. Truman-Madriaga will address many of our critical issues through the lens of urban forestry. In Hawaii, as in other tropical islands, the Urban and Community Forest is situated in the densely populated areas between the forest reserves in the mountains, the recreation zone at our beaches, and the highy productive and protective reef zone. The Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Council suggest IslandAbility as the overarching theme for the urban portion of the Hawaii SWARS. Using the national 2008 Farm Bill objectives of Conserve Working Forests, Protect Forests from Harm, and Enhance Public Benefits from Trees and Forests, the Urban Forestry Committee has identified key GIS layers for Hawaii and other tropical islands addressing tourism, economics, land use zoning, development and recreation for visitors and residents; canopy cover, open spaces, and impervious surfaces; climate change, coastal tree and heat islands; culture, education, quality of life, social environments, and livability; and research, inventories, best management practices and education. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 65 | VideoIntroduction to Statewide Assessment of Forest Conditions and State-wide Resource Strategy (SWARS) | Ron Cannarella will introduce the legal requirements, milestones, and due-dates for the Hawaii SWARS. He will put this planning effort in a historic context, and will touch upon some of the unique qualities of the Hawaii SWARS. He will then introduce the other panelists, who will elaborate on various aspects of the State-wide Assessment of Forest Conditions. Note: This session will focus on the first of two documents comprising the SWARS; the first document of the SWARS is the State-wide Assessment of Forest Conditions. The second document of the SWARS is the State-wide Resource Strategy. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 66 | VideoChallenges of Assessing the Impacts of Near-shore Fisheries on Hawai`i's Protected Species | Earl Miyamoto presenting. With technical assistance from NOAA Fisheries (NMFS), the Hawai`i State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is developing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), as required for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) application under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for near-shore State managed fisheries that interact with ESA-listed species including threatened green turtles, endangered hawksbill turtles, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The HCP should: provide an estimate of the baseline rate of take that is occurring, describe mitigation measures intended to reduce take, and outline a monitoring system that will be implemented to ensure the level of authorized take is not exceeded.? Hawai`i?s deep cultural ties to fishing and protected species, the open-access nature of its recreational fisheries, and distrust between the fishing community and regulatory agencies pose some unique challenges to collecting necessary baseline information on current levels of take. The ultimate goal of the HCP is to benefit both protected species and fisheries by bringing them into compliance with the ESA. The HCP will be informed by data from NOAA's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center stranding databases and by information collected through community outreach and capacity building activities. Outreach efforts will include attending fishing tournaments, holding public meetings and workshops, and disseminating anonymous postcards for near-shore fishers to report in situ turtle and seal observations. Here we present and describe challenges encountered thus far and propose methods for building a mutually beneficial and trusting relationship between the fishing community and regulatory agencies | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 67 | VideoEffects of Native Forest and Working Pasture on Rainfall and Groundwater Recharge in Hawaii | Kate Brauman presenting. Vegetation can play a major role in ecosystem service tradeoffs that result from land use change by affecting the volume of rain water that reaches the ground surface and is thus available for water supply. We collected micrometeorological and vegetation data at two sites on leeward Hawaii Island for 20 months to look at rainfall, cloud interception, and evapotranspiration in native forest and working pasture. Rainfall rates are low and canopy interception of rainfall is high; only 65% of rainfall reaches the forest floor at one of the sites. Cloud interception is an additional source of water input: at the second site throughfall is 120% of rainfall. Using a water balance approach, we estimate groundwater recharge under each land cover type. Taller trees and higher forest density are the most plausible explanations for increased cloud water input at the second site. At the first site, where throughfall is lower, the forest is shorter and more open, likely the result of cattle grazing. The dramatic decrease in throughfall at the grazed site suggest that mixed use of native Hawaiian forest for cattle grazing could decrease downstream water supply. If rainfall decreases but cloudiness persists under future climate regimes, our findings suggest that maintaining healthy forest that can effectively intercept cloud water may be one way to help ensure adequate downstream water supply. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 68 | VideoDoes Size Matter? Human Perceptions of Species Endangerment. | Christopher Lepczyk presenting. Species become endangered due to a number of factors, ranging from habitat loss to economic development. However, the process of listing species as endangered is governed not only by causal factors, but also by human perception. Considering that human perception is important in species detection, we hypothesized that there would be observable changes over time in two perception indicators, body mass and geographic range. Based upon this hypothesis, we predicted a negative correlation between the two indicators and time of detection (i.e. year a species was listed as endangered) would exist. We tested our hypothesis on U.S. endangered species listed from 1967-1999, with consideration of taxonomic grouping and island/mainland context. As new species were listed over the thirty-year period, they decreased in body mass and geographic range, with distinctions among taxonomic groups and island/mainland context. Specifically, all taxonomic groups exhibited negative relationships with body mass, but three exhibited positive relationships with geographic range. Overall, our results strongly suggest that human perception has changed over time, with smaller species being listed more recently compared to larger species. These findings indicate that we have moved away from listing large cosmopolitan species towards local endemics, and that future listings and conservation efforts may increasingly be directed towards small species. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 69 | VideoClimate Change and Coral Health in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands | Greta Aeby presenting. Coral reefs are under threat from global climate change with increased sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification predicted to result in increases in coral bleaching, disease and a decline in reef resilience. To maintain reef resources in the face of changing climatic conditions we have been conducting disease surveys and investigating diseases of concern in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) since 2002. Baseline disease surveys revealed 10 coral diseases and one disease of crustose coralline algae on the reefs of the NWHI. Annual monitoring surveys are following disease levels through time so increases in disease can be acted upon quickly. Distribution and prevalence of diseases varied among islands with French Frigate Shoals currently showing the highest level of coral mortality from disease. Diseases varied in their degree of harm to the coral host (virulence) with diseases causing tissue loss (white syndromes) resulting in the highest coral mortality. Coral genera differ in disease susceptibility with Acropora having the highest prevalence and rate of mortality. Reefs dominated by Acropora should be monitored closely for disease. The backreefs of Pearl and Hermes, Midway and Kure are prone to temperature stress with bleaching events occurring in 2002 and 2004. Environmental stressors are known to affect disease prevalence and so these sites should also be monitored. The backreefs dominated by Montipora are vulnerable to disease outbreaks as studies have shown that, Montipora white syndrome, can cause significant coral mortality. Currently, modeling techniques are being used to understand drivers of coral disease in Hawaii. | 8/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 70 | VideoThe Effect of Thermal History on the Diversity of Coral Endosymbionts (Symbiodinium ssp.) in Hawaii. | Michael Stat presenting. Predicting the resilience of coral reefs to increased sea surface temperature, as an outcome of global climate change, is an important focus of coral reef research and conservation. Our understanding of the adaptive capacity of corals with respect to environmental change is poor and as a result, models that predict impacts under various scenarios of climate change are hindered by a lack of understanding dynamic aspects of coral biology. Reef building corals form intimate associations with endosymbiotic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium and the physiological scope afforded by these unions underpins the economic and ecological success of the group. The chimeric nature of corals may also provide an opportunity for environmental flexibility and the capacity to optimize thermal tolerance by modifying the composition of their endosymbiotic dinoflagellate communities. Here we evaluate this hypothesis by characterizing the endosymbiotic communities in Montipora capitata and Porites lobata sampled in areas of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands that have different thermal histories between 1985 to 2005. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 71 | Video`Olelo No`eau: Pili`i Pihemanu: Wise and Entertaining Proverbs on the Subject of Midway Atoll. | Pelika Bertlemann presenting. Traditional knowledge systems often employ multifaceted approaches to understanding the workings of natural systems. Hawaiian traditional knowledge is based on observation, is generational, and is place-specific. Through being aware of one's surrounding in life, observations were made over thousands of years and the collective knowledge was passed on from one generation to the next. The applications of this knowledge over generations fine-tuned and modified it to fit the specific location of residence. The relationships between various elements of natural systems and their corresponding activities were observed in resourceful ways by our kupuna and orally passed down to what we know them as today: 'Olelo No`eau, translated as wise or entertaining proverbs or sayings. These `olelo no`eau function as rhymes or jargon, in that through its phrasing, helps us remember and pass on certain information. Our project at Pihemanu was to duplicate this process of observing, making connections and producing `olelo no`eau that would help us remember the collected information. Bringing with us our past experiences, we made an effort to be aware of the activities around us: in the air, on land and in the ocean to develop relationships between these observed activities. We collectively composed a series of our own `olelo no`eau pertinent to our experiences on Pihemanu, relationships we found, and relationships in comparison to our own experiences on broader Hawaiian Islands. These `olelo no`eau are our attempt to pass on our observations as well as honor our kupuna by continuing the practice of composition. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 72 | VideoNative Plants of Pihemanu: Observations from a Hawaiian Perspective | Nakoa Goo presenting. Pihemanu also known as Midway Atoll is home to a variety of native plant species well adapted to an environment with limited natural resources. Many of these species hold significant importance in Hawaiian culture. The history of human disturbance on Pihemanu has significantly altered the atoll's natural environment and the current native plant distribution. During the World War II era, the land mass of Sand Island was increased by 230% through dredging and introduction of imported soil. Such disturbances have led to the introduction of over 250 non-native species which compete with native species. Observations were made of the habitats plants occupied, location on the atoll, and interactions between native plants with terrestrial fauna. A total of 13 native species were observed on the atoll, some of which are human introductions. Distribution of native species was highly dependent on substrate type. Spatial dominant native species were observed in different habitat types. Emaloa (Eragostris variabilis) and makaloa (Cyperus laevigatus) were of major importance to a variety of bird species on the atoll providing foraging habitat and shelter. This study was conducted from a Hawaiian perspective in that interactions among species, habitats, and physical environments were focused and that observations were interpreted through incorporation of oral history, proverbs, and other facets of indigenous knowledge related to native plants on Pihemanu. Through observing environments and their inhabitants from the knowledge base that has evolved in Hawaii, we can gain inferences into how native plants may respond to natural and anthroprogenic environmental changes. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 73 | VideoWhat a Traditional Hawaiian Legend has to Teach Us About Reef Fish Management Today | Jonatha Giddens presenting. Key fish species, such as the uhu (Scaridae) may serve as an indicator for overall reef community resilience. During our study (April 2007 - December 2008) abundances of uhu populations were assessed and compared between a populated and fished Main Hawaiian Island site (Puako, west Hawaii), and a protected, lightly populated Northwestern Hawaiian Island site (Midway Atoll). The age-structure distribution was also noted, given their hermaphrodidic (initial female to terminal male) life history and sequential color change with age. Scaridae abundance data was collected by visual census and compared by a student's T-Test. Midway had a significantly higher uhu density (p=0.001). There was a higher male to female ratio in Midway (65:35) than Hawaii Island sites, indicating an abundance of larger, reproductively mature fish. The decreased uhu population and age-structure differential in Puako may be indicative of an overall loss of resilience for this population. A traditional Hawaiian story about the legendary fisher Puniakai`a reinforces what current biological literature suggests in regard to effective reef fish management: that by protecting the larger-sized individual (more fecund) reef fish, the resilience of the entire population may increase exponentially while medium-sized fish may still be taken for food protein in this important fishery. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 74 | VideoHinahele: Coral Reef Zonations | Luke Mead presenting. Coral Reefs zonations as understood by Native Hawaiians were studied along an age gradient presented at Moku o Keawae (Hawai'i Island), and Pihemanu (Midway) Hawai'i, during fall 2008. Substrate ages ranged from 400 to 30,000,000 years before present (y b.p.). Results indicate that there was a significant positive linear relationship between substrate age and the length of the one (sand) and kohola (reef flat). While not significant, trends of positive relationships were also found between substrate age and length of the kai he'e ku (reef slope) and kai he'e nalu (reef crest where surf breaks) zones. In general, the longest zones occurred in areas of oldest substrate age, and the shortest zones occurred in areas of youngest substrate age. Naming of physical components of coral reefs in a Hawaiian system is consistent with the geologically based reef zonation system. However, the Hawaiian names of reef zonations also indicate their specific ties to resources, deities, and activities done. Our review of literature and interviews with traditional reef users suggests the resource use and potentially the social characteristics of the culture may differ along the age gradient of of na moku o Hawai'i (all islands). | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 75 | VideoKo Kua Uka, Ko Kua Kai (Those Of The Land, Those Of The Sea) | Moana "Uluwehe" Ching presenting. Through generations of observation, Hawaiians developed connections among natural occurrences in the sky, on land, and in the sea. "Pala ka hala, momona ka ha`uke`uke", this `olelo no`eau, or wise saying, was used to pass on the knowledge that ripening hala (Pandanus) fruit on land is an indicator of the optimal time of year for harvesting ha`uke`uke (Colobocentrotus atratus) from the intertidal zone. The intent of this study was to record this seasonal occurrence by quantitative means. Six sites containing ha`uke`uke and hala were sampled on the island of Hawai'i from October to December 2008. Number of fruits (female) and flowers (male) were recorded for each hala tree.Up to five specimens of h`a`uke`uke from two size categories (large, medium) were collected from each site. Test diameter and height were measured (to 0.05cm accuracy) and gonad tissue was weighed (g). Pearson's correlation did not reveal a linear relationship between average number of fruits/flowers per hala and average weight of gonad tissue. Monthly mean comparisons of fruits/flowers did not change over the sampling period (one-way Analysis of Variance, p>0.05). Average weight of gonad tissue was also relatively constant (3.7-4.5g). Data indicate a consistent relationship between fruits/flowers of hala and weight of urchin gonads over the three-month sampling period. However, additional sampling across seasons is underway to further study this example of how Hawaiians integrated traditional ecological knowledge into their resource management practices. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 76 | VideoCulturally-Based Solutions in a Changing Climate: Ahupua`a Lessons for Ecological Restoration | Kawika Winter presenting. For at least a millennium the ahupua`a system of resource management sustainably provided for the needs of the inhabitants of these islands while maintaining the integrity of watersheds and ecosystems Following changes in the ecological, economic and cultural climates of Hawai`i the ecosystem services that ahupua`a system once provided no longer exist. Limahuli Garden and Preserve's ongoing Ha`ena Ahupua`a Project has worked for more than 15 years to be an example of how the ahupua`a system of resource management can provide lessons and guidance in the areas of ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, fisheries management, community development and more. We will share our challenges and our successes in our aim to beneficially manage for both sides of the social-ecological system of Ha`ena, Kaua`i. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 77 | VideoGenetic Considerations in Ecological Restoration | Tom Ranker presenting. Restoration of habitat for endangered species often involves translocation of seeds or individuals from source populations to an area targeted for restoration. Long-term persistence of a species is dependent on the maintenance of sufficient genetic variation within and among populations. Thus, knowledge and maintenance of genetic variability within rare or endangered species is essential for developing effective conservation and restoration strategies. Genetic monitoring of both natural and restored populations can provide an assessment of restoration protocol success in establishing populations that maintain levels of genetic diversity similar to those in natural populations. In terms of genetic considerations, restorationists should consider inbreeding depression, reproductive viability, local adaptation, and evolutionary potential of translocated populations. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 78 | VideoCyberinfrastructure for Monitoring Environmental Change in Hawaiian Mountain-to-Sea Environments | Mike Kido presenting. Humans through their degradative impacts on global ecosystems and nonsustainable use of natural resources have created serious challenges for social-ecological systems worldwide from the likes of emerging infectious diseases, the cascading effects of climate change, loss of biocomplexity, and over-demand for natural resources such as water. Continuous monitoring of environmental change occurring within the complex relationships and feedbacks of ecosystems confounded by these large-scale forces, is essential to effectively understand and deal with the escalating impacts of expanding human populations globally on watersheds. Realistically, ecological restoration attempted in this new age of rapid change will only be successful within the context of robust local-scale environmental monitoring which can be linked to global data resources and the advanced computing required to integrate, model, and simulate data. For this purpose, an advanced cyberinfrastructure for environmental monitoring is being developed at the University of Hawaii which already has successfully merged the use of wireless sensor technologies, Grid computing with 3D geospatial data visualization / exploration, and a secured Internet portal user interface. This technology is being used to monitor and understand change occurring in mountain-to-sea environments across the Hawaiian Islands. Use-case examples will be discussed. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 79 | VideoDiversified Plant Reintroduction at Larger Scales in Hawaiian Dry Forest | Lida Pigott Burney presenting. Experimentation and monitoring at Makauwahi Cave Reserve and other sites on Kaua`i has shown that highly flexible and affordable methodologies for native plant reforestation on abandoned farmland can benefit greatly from strategies borrowed from agriculture. High variance in annual rainfall and uncertainties in monthly distribution pose a great challenge to survival of greenhouse-raised native plants, but microirrigation during establishment can largely ameliorate this limitation. Biological invasions, both highly aggressive weed competition and some disease and insect challenges, can be addressed through a program of conservation tillage, mulching, ground cover planting, and integrated pest management. Experiments at medium scale show that plant survival, propagule generation, and natural recruitment can all be enhanced with a "phased withdrawal" form of adaptive management. Volunteers can hand-weed around plants, and by combining with rotary tillage in the lanes between plants, it is feasible to give outplanted natives a head start. Choice of soil amendments and the positioning and timing of administration can be critical. Inoculation with mycorrhizal associates can also help. To address the weeding challenges cost-effectively, use of large well-organized groups of volunteers, including school groups, is essential. Selection of species from multiple criteria, including historic or late prehistoric occurrence on the site can make a critical difference and suggest many species that otherwise would have been left out. Preservation of genetic diversity may require creative thinking and innovative strategies to avoid population bottlenecks. Automation of ecological measurements, periodic census taking, and repeat photography from ground and air can assist with tracking success. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 80 | VideoUsing Dense Outplantings of Select Native Species to Overcome Invasive Plant Competition in Limahuli | Emory Griffin-Noyes presenting. Conservationists at the National Tropical Botanical Garden have undertaken the daunting task of restoring a weedy forest in Limahuli Preserve to an almost completely native system, from the tree canopy down to the groundcovers and ferns. The goal is to create a patch of native forest that is so thick and diverse that it will actively compete with invasive alien species that are taking over surrounding areas. We have field-tested various methods to remove invasive species and then fill in open spaces by planting diverse native plants at higher than customary densities.? It is clear from our preliminary results that the species composition used in the restoration process is critical to success.? I will examine what species when planted together are the most effective at competing with weeds as well as being dense enough to exclude weeds from re-establishing within the restoration.? One of the most important benefits of this kind of restoration is that it can be used as a tool to educate the community about native plants and conservation.? Considerable forethought is necessary to ensure that the public will be positively involved in this type of conservation effort. By involving the community in the restoration process people will leave the site knowing more about native plants and be inspired knowing that they made a positive impact on the area around them. By involving children we can instill the values of protecting and conserving what is around today for those who will follow. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 81 | VideoEcological Restoration in the Face of Changing Climate, Biological Invasion and Economic Crisis | David Burney presenting. Consensus among climate models is that greenhouse gas-driven change will result in warming of mid-Pacific islands, sea-level rise, and probably increased dryness in the lowlands and a decreased area of high rainfall on mountains. Successful plant reintroduction strategies need to take into account the likely need for buffering against climate uncertainty through use of micro-irrigation techniques, creation of new populations in suitable habitat, and possibly assisted migration strategies. Meanwhile, the ever-present and ever-changing challenges of biological invasions can be expected to increase and diversify under future climate scenarios. Added to the negative synergy of climate change and biological invasion is the onward march of development in whatever forms may emerge under the current and near-future circumstances of economic decline, energy shortage, and sustainability issues. Clearly, if biodiversity itself is to survive under these combined threats, innovative strategies are needed that provide maximum flexibility and affordability while saving as many species and ecological functions as possible. Baseline studies, including drawing on information from longer time series provided by paleoecology, archaeology, history, and oral tradition, are essential to good decision-making. Conservation dollars, hours, and acres should be deployed on a long front that includes a wide range of in situ techniques as well as strong back-ups provided by ex situ institutions such as botanical gardens, seed banks, and micropropagation laboratories. Between these two there is a broad third front for Hawaiian plant conservation, offered by flexible, affordable methodologies grouped under the term inter situ. Examples will be discussed. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 82 | VideoClimate Change and Marine Ecosystems in Hawaii | Jeffrey Polovina presenting. We have observed an increase in the area of the least productive waters in the central North Pacific, those defined as not exceeding 0.07 mg/m3, from 1998 to 2006, of about 2 percent per year coherent with increases in sea surface temperature. There has been an eastward expansion of the area of low surface chlorophyll waters between the beginning and end of the time series that now extends into Hawaiian waters. A similar areal expansion of low surface chlorophyll waters has been documented in the South Pacific, North Atlantic, and the South Atlantic, at rates ranging from 1-4% per year. The expansion of low surface chlorophyll waters is consistent with a global warming scenario of increased vertical stratification but the rates we observe already exceed long term model predictions. This observed change suggests that a response from global warming in Hawaiian waters will be a decrease in the carrying capacity of the pelagic ecosystem. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 83 | VideoClimate Change Monitoring in Hawaii: From Regionalization to Local Extremes | Henry Diaz presenting. We describe efforts to develop regional units for the major Hawaiian Islands in order to study secular changes in the Hawaii's climate in the instrumental record. Our approach to regionalization is to consider the amplitude and phase of the annual cycle of monthly mean rainfall in the Islands using a relatively large number of climate stations (N>300). We show how this regionalization results in 7 subregions; a reasonable number that balances the need to retain enough spatial information, while restricting the number of such groupings to a reasonable size. We will discuss the observed changes in mean temperature and precipitation for the States and its climate subregions. We will also examine changes in the distribution of daily values of temperature and precipitation for the past 60 years to ascertain if there have been significant changes in the frequency of occurrence of specific quantiles. We will also consider other climate monitoring indices such as changes in the number of days certain type events occur during the period of record (for example, the number of days with daily rainfall total exceeding 2 inches). | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 84 | VideoKeys to Implementing Science to Address Sea Level Rise and Other Hazards | Dennis Hwang presenting. Based on concepts developed in Hawaii Coastal Hazard Mitigation Guidebook (University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program),a flexible approach to implementing a program for sea level rise is based on knowledge, planning information, guidance, policy, industry standards, existing authority and new regulations. Recognizing that these elements of implementation create a sliding scale, or continuum, can offer a jurisdiction more flexibility and an endless array of options. This basic concept can be used for any governmental program, whether it is for implementing a hazard program for sea-level rise or to address conservation issues such as groundwater purity or biodiversity. More specifically, with regard to hazards, three other concepts are introduced including the hazard forces in Hawaii, the stages of development?and the weighting considerations by government agencies and the courts. How these concepts are implemented is shown for two case studies that address sea level rise: (i) the new shoreline setback rules for Kauai County and (ii) the handling of future shoreline movements in the Kapoho area by the Hawaii County Planning Department. The concepts are universal and have been applied throughout Hawaii, in the mainland United States and internationally. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 85 | VideoIsland Climate Adaptation and Policy: Diverse Risks and Interdisciplinary Solutions | Maxine Burkett presenting. Hawaii sits at the center of our Earth's climate crossroads. Since voyaging to the islands over 1000 yeas ago, native Hawaiian culture has closely studied the flow of water, the patterns of waves and winds, the topography of the land, and the nature of our island climate. Using this knowledge, islanders adapted their use of the land and ocean to the perpetually changing conditions. However, climate challenges have shifted. Over the past half-century, unique data gathered in Hawaii at Mauna Loa Observatory have documented increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Climate change impacts are widespread and now islanders are faced with a new set of climate challenges. The distinctive combination of cutting-edge science and traditional knowledge highlights the strength of solutions that Hawaii can bring to the uncertain future of small islands facing climate change. Toward the creation of those solutions, UH Sea Grant College's new Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP) facilitates a sustainable, climate conscious future for Hawaii, the Pacific, and global island communities. The Center produces innovative, interdisciplinary research and real-world solutions to island decision-makers in the public and private sectors. As a focal point for University of Hawaii climate expertise, ICAP serves as a two-way conduit between the university and island communities to catalyze climate change adaptation and resiliency. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 86 | VideoGlobal Sea-level Rise: Meeting the Challenge in Hawaii | Chip Fletcher presenting. Hawaii sits at the center of our Earth's climate crossroads. Since voyaging to the islands over 1000 yeas ago, native Hawaiian culture has closely studied the flow of water, the patterns of waves and winds, the topography of the land, and the nature of our island climate. Using this knowledge, islanders adapted their use of the land and ocean to the perpetually changing conditions. However, climate challenges have shifted. Over the past half-century, unique data gathered in Hawaii at Mauna Loa Observatory have documented increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Climate change impacts are widespread and now islanders are faced with a new set of climate challenges. The distinctive combination of cutting-edge science and traditional knowledge highlights the strength of solutions that Hawaii can bring to the uncertain future of small islands facing climate change. Toward the creation of those solutions, UH Sea Grant College's new Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP) facilitates a sustainable, climate conscious future for Hawaii, the Pacific, and global island communities. The Center produces innovative, interdisciplinary research and real-world solutions to island decision-makers in the public and private sectors. As a focal point for University of Hawaii climate expertise, ICAP serves as a two-way conduit between the university and island communities to catalyze climate change adaptation and resiliency. | 8/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 87 | VideoIntroduction to the 2009 Hawaii Conservation Conference - Climate Change | Deanna Spooner, Executive Director of the Hawaii Conservation Allianance and the Hawaii Conservation Foundation welcomes you to experience the wealth of information and cultural knowledge that is shared at this conference held annually in Honolulu, Hawai`i. | 7/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 87 Episodes |
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