Hawaii's Local Action Strategies to Address Key Threats to Coral Reefs
In 2002 the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force identified the need for more focused action at the local level to reduce key threats to coral reefs and called for the development of Local Action Strategies (LAS) in each of the seven states and territories that possess significant coral reef resources. These LAS are locally-driven roadmaps for collaborative and cooperative action among federal, state, territory and non-governmental partners which identify and implement priority actions needed to reduce key threats to valuable coral reef resources. The goals and objectives of the LAS are linked to those found in the U.S. National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs, adopted by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force in 2000.
Hawaii used a collaborative planning process to develop local action strategies (LAS) for the six selected focus areas. This process supported and expanded on existing efforts already underway in the State. In cases where coordinating bodies did not already exist, steering committees were formed to facilitate the development and implementation of the particular LAS. These committees include members from state and federal government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industries, and community groups.
The committees:
1) assessed the effectiveness of current management strategies and existing monitoring protocols, and
2) held a series of stakeholder workshops to discuss the issues, gaps, and needs for addressing focus issues. Outcomes of these efforts were used to develop Hawaii's LAS. Each steering committee is staffed by an LAS coordinator who seeks input into project implementation, updates community groups and the steering committee on progress, and often is engaged in on-the-ground project implementation.
The planning process for each LAS varied in the extent to which new initiatives were developed or existing efforts were supported or enhanced. This ranged from advocating existing planning efforts such as the State of Hawaii Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan, to the development and establishment of the Land Based Sources of Pollution LAS through a steering committee specifically organized for the effort. Each LAS was developed with the input of over 100 individuals and organizations from various local stakeholder groups. Overall Hawaii's LAS have fostered the coordination and collaboration of multiple partners working towards more efficient and effective ways to protect Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems.
Focus Areas:
- Main Hawaiian Island Coral Reef Fisheries Management
- Land-Based Sources of Pollution
- Lack of Public Awareness / Hawaii's Living Reef Program
- Aquatic Invasive Species
- Recreational Overuse
- Climate Change and Marine Disease
Currently several of the LAS are undergoing revisions including the creation of vision statements, revisions of goals, development of SMART objectives, and measures of effectiveness.
Links
U.S. Coral Reef Task force
U.S. National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs