Erosion at Sharks Cove

We all love going in the water at Sharks Cove but lately all the rains and foot traffic have been rapidly eroding the coastline above the beach.

The soil that is washing into the water is not good for our fragile marine ecosystem and can cause major damage if we are not careful.

MPW is undertaking a pilot project to restore the coastline above Sharks Cove. Community volunteers at the Pūpūkea area of the Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) have noted a significant increase in erosion over the past 10 years as use of Pūpūkea has increased. The goal of the project is to reduce the flow of sediment from eroded areas of Pūpūkea Beach Park onto the coral reef below.

Photos from our two site visits with the new City Parks Director, Michelle Nekota, District Manager Miles, Paul Wong from NOAA, and MPW (click to view larger)

Working in strong partnership with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation and with technical assistance from Hui Ku Maoli Ola, MPW volunteers will remove invasive exotic weeds and install native plants to hold in place soil currently eroding into the MLCD. Native coastal plants will vegetate eroded, non-paved footpaths, direct foot traffic to safe and appropriate paths, and hold in place soil currently eroding into the MLCD from the banks of Pūpūkea Beach Park.

You can help by entering the water through the sandy area near the tide pools or by using the path to the right of the cove. If it has been raining, avoid muddy areas so that your feet do not track the mud into the water. If you know anyone who frequents this area, help to educate them.

We are working with multiple agencies to determine how we can help alleviate the erosion problem and will keep you all posted on any ways you can help as well.