This fall, the Navy will begin the first large scale removal of invasive octocorals in Pearl Harbor that pose a threat to the local marine ecosystem. The two species of octocorals that were first discovered near Bishop Point are not native to Hawaii but are known to be popular with aquarium enthusiasts. They are also illegal to own in Hawaii.
In January 2024, the Navy cleared more than 33,850 square feet – nearly three-fourths of the area of a football field – of the harmful octocorals from Pearl Harbor, but unfortunately the fast-growing octocoral has come back so there is a need for a larger scale effort. The upcoming removal effort is expected to take years to accomplish, according to Nicole Olmsted, conservation manager for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH). “We have tested methods and have determined they are effective and the best scientific tools available at this time,” she said. “We will be using a combination of tarp smothering and manual removal.”
In the meantime, the Navy is supporting efforts by the Hawaii Department Agriculture (HDOA) Plant Quarantine Branch, the department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), the University of Hawaii-Waikiki Aquarium, and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species to prevent the release of illegal and harmful marine aquarium invasive species into the ocean. They are teaming up to lead the “Don’t Let it Loose” campaign, which kicks off on Oct. 28, 2024.
![Navy to Launch Large-Scale Removal of Invasive Octocorals, Supports “Don’t Let it Loose” Campaign]()
