Land-Based Sources of Pollution
Local Action Strategies
Land-based sources of pollutants, such as sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants, are one of several factors threatening the quality of coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii. These pollutants are transported in surface water runoff and by groundwater seepage into coastal waters.
Land-Based Pollution
While the complex interrelationship between land-based sources of pollution, water quality, overfishing, and the health and integrity of coral reef ecosystems is not well understood, enough is known to require management policies that minimize polluted surface water runoff and prevent overfishing (Davidson et al, 2003).
Specifically, the CRLBP LAS strategy was developed to:
- Provide a mechanism to document, consolidate, and share ongoing efforts to address land-based pollution threats to coral reefs in Hawaii
- Identify new actions needed to address land-based pollution threats for priority funding
- Improve coordination and collaboration between federal and state agencies responsible for pollution prevention and coral reef management in Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i’s local action strategy is watershed-based and incorporates traditional land and natural resource management system, known as ahupua‘a. Ahupua‘a are watershed areas that encompass water source areas in the mountains and extend offshore to include coral reefs and coastal resources.
Traditionally, each ahupua‘a contained nearly all the resources Hawaiians required for survival (Kamehameha Schools Press 1994). A collaborative planning process, with significant public input, was used to develop the overall goals, objectives and measures of success for Hawaii's LAS.The LAS focuses on demonstration projects in three priority ahupua‘a in the main Hawaiian Islands: Honolua, Maui; Kawela to Kapualei, Moloka‘i; and Hanalei, Kaua‘i. An additional project is being conducted in Maunalua Bay, O‘ahu.
Goals
To improve coastal water quality and coral ecosystem function and health by reducing land-based pollution.
Objectives
- Reduce pollutant load to surface water and groundwater through site-specific actions and best management practices.
- Improve understanding of the links between land-based pollution and coral reef health through focused scientific research and monitoring.
- Increase awareness of pollution prevention and control measures statewide.
