The Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) on O‘ahu’s North Shore has expanded to include the Kapo‘o Tidepools!
The Tidepools are a unique and critical nursery habitat for a variety of marine species. In an effort to better manage and protect this fragile ecosystem, our community Makai Watch team worked in collaboration with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) to help support this change. In addition to inclusion of the tidepool area into the MLCD, a rule preventing the feeding of any marine life was also established.
“The Kapo‘o tidepools add to the diversity and uniqueness of the Pūpūkea MLCD and are a key part of what makes this area a special place,” said Brian Neilson, Administrator for the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). “DAR appreciates the community support we received for expanding the MLCD boundary to conserve the fish, invertebrates, and limu in this area.”
Denise Antolini, President of Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea, a marine stewardship group founded in 2005, commented: “We are deeply grateful to the Governor and DLNR for making these long-needed rule changes to enhance protection for the Kapoʻo tide pools and the entire MLCD. We have seen dramatic increases in the number of people using the MLCD, increased pressures from poaching, and hundreds of visitors a day crowding the small Kapoʻo tide pool area. The updated rules will allow us to better educate people about the outstanding marine life of Kapoʻo and the entire MLCD, help the community prevent abusive behavior, and support better enforcement by DLNR. The rules help us ensure future abundance of marine life for all to enjoy and more spillover of fish outside the MLCD boundaries.”
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Banner Aerial Image of Kapo’o: Cameron Brooks
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