Pacific Islands Coastal Program Accomplishment Report · 2006-06-12 · Pacific Islands Coastal Program PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Pacific Islands Coastal Program (PICP) is one of 21 such

Pacific Islands Coastal Program

Pacific Islands Coastal ProgramAccomplishment Report

Fiscal Years 2000-2005

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicePacific Islands Fish and Wildlife OfficeU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicePacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office


PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Pacific Islands Coastal Program (PICP) isone of 21 such U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceprograms around the nation. Established inFiscal Year 2000, the PICP funds landowners,nonprofit groups, government agencies, andothers to conduct habitat protection andrestoration, biological surveys, appliedrestoration research and planning, andenvironmental education.

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Unlike other Coastal Programs, the PICPincludes hundreds of islands distributed overthousands of square miles of ocean and coversover 6,500 miles of coastline. Pacific islandcoasts and nearshore environments includeover 90% of the U.S. coral reefs and a range ofunique, tropical habitat types that supportmany endemic species, hundreds of which arelisted as threatened or endangered.

The PICP works with people from many Pacificcultures who live in several politicaljurisdictions. Current projects are located inthe State of Hawai‘i, the NorthwesternHawaiian Islands, the Commonwealth of theNorthern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Territoriesof American Samoa and Guam, unincorporatedU.S. possessions like Palmyra Atoll andMidway Atoll, and two independent nationswith Compacts of Free Association with theU.S. - the Republic of Palau and the FederatedStates of Micronesia.

The mission of the Pacific Islands Coastal Program is to work withpartners to conserve native species of fish and wildlife, protect andrestore healthy coastal ecosystems, and build the capacity ofcoastal communities to continue this work into the future.

Pacific Islands Coastal Program 2

Table of Contents

Program Overview 1Program Strategy 2Conservation Focus Areas 2Funding 3Technical Assistance 4Program Maps 5-6Accomplishments 6Project Highlights 7Project List 15

PROGRAM STRATEGY

The PICP works with partners to identify andprioritize projects in conservation focus areas.High priority projects are characterized by:

• Locations with high biological value,defined as ecological integrity, highbiodiversity, and the presence ofthreatened and endangered species;

• Addressing imminent threats to nativehabitats and species;

• Strong community and governmentagency support that will likely result inlong-term, community-basedmanagement of the area;

• Potential for the project to leverageoutside funds and trigger similarprojects in adjacent areas;

• Ability to increase public awareness ofcoastal conservation issues; and

• Feasibility of the proposed conservationtechnique.

CONSERVATION FOCUS AREAS

Conservation focus areas include offshoreislets; coral reefs; and coastal wetlands andother rare coastal habitats such asanchialine pools, dune and coastal strandecosystems, sea turtle nesting beaches, andseabird colonies.

After prioritizing projects using the describedcriteria, the PICP funds projects that fall intoone or more of the following four categories:

• Habitat Protection & Restoration;

• Biological Surveys & ConservationPlanning;

• Education & Outreach; and

• Focused Conservation Research.

Forming strong working relationships withreliable project partners and leveraging outsidefunding is critical for achieving conservation insuch a large geographic area. The PICP aims toexceed a 1:1 match for program funds, averagedover all projects funded during any fiscal year.


$-

$250,000

$500,000

$750,000

$1,000,000

$1,250,000

$1,500,000

$1,750,000

$2,000,000

$2,250,000

$2,500,000

$2,750,000

$3,000,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Conservation Funding Generated By The Pacific Islands Coastal Program

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Since FY 2000, the PICP has directed nearly $7 million in conservation funding to over80 projects on dozens of Pacific islands. This was accomplished by using less than $1.5million of PICP base funds to leverage $2.8 million in cash and in-kind support from over50 partner organizations and by devoting staff time to assist partners in obtaining over$2.7 million from other federal and non-federal sources.

CoastalProgramBaseFunding

PartnerMatch &OutsideGrants

$1,457,215 21%

$5,505,420 79%


TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DELIVERS ADDITIONAL CONSERVATION FUNDING

Technical assistance provided by PICP staff helped deliver $2.7 million from federal and non-federal sources for coastal habitat purchase, protection and conservation projects. The PICP workedwith multiple partners to obtain the following:

• A $250,000 fund for Hawai‘imarine conservation,resulting from a pleaagreement settlementbetween federal agenciesand a marine polluter. Thismoney was matched by anadditional $382,000 fromproject partners.

• $80,000 from the NatureConservancy to purchaseone of the most importantU.S. nesting beaches for theendangered Hawksbill SeaTurtle, located atKamehame Beach on theBig Island.

• $ 2 million in funding (a $1million Recovery LandAcquisition Grant and a $1million National CoastalWetland Grant) for thepurchase of rare coastalwetland and dune habitat atWaihe‘e Dunes, Maui.

Pacific Islands Coastal Program5

Pacific Islands Coastal Program Projects

The Pacific Islandshave the greatestnumber of at-riskspecies in the nation:

333 Threatened andEndangered species;

135 Candidatespecies; and

1,000 Species ofConcern.


Threats to coastal and nearshore marine ecosystems include alien speciesinvasions, sedimentation and polluted runoff, coastal development,overfishing, global climate changes, and marine debris.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

PICP projects and technical assistance have played a key role in the protection andrestoration of over 32,000 acres of coastal uplands, islets, wetlands, and coral reefs.Protecting these coastal habitats has benefited 25 endangered and threatened species,30 species of migratory birds, and hundreds of endemic species of plants, insects, andmarine organisms.

PICP-funded biological surveys, management plans, and mapping projects haveimproved resource management on several thousand additional acres of marine andterrestrial habitat.

Educational activities and products have increased environmental awareness inthousands of people in the Pacific Islands Region, including many school-age children.


Pacific Islands Coastal Program HighlightsHABITAT PROTECTION & RESTORATIONHABITAT PROTECTION & RESTORATION

WETLANDS & RARE COASTAL HABITATS

Kamehame Beach Hawksbill Sea Turtle Nesting Preserve The PICP provided technicalassistance to The Nature Conservancy that resulted in their purchase of Kamehame Beach, on theisland of Hawai‘i. As a result, this 24-acre parcel is now a nature preserve that protects the mostproductive nesting beach in the United States for the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle.

Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Preserve PICP technical assistance channeled $2million in federal grants through the State of Hawai‘i to purchase and protect the 275-acre Waihe‘eDune and Wetland parcel on Maui. This area is now protected in perpetuity and managed by theMaui Coastal Land Trust. Restoration has begun with the aid of the community. One of the lastintact dune ecosystems in Hawai‘i, this area is home to endangered Hawaiian Stilts, Coots, Ducksand Gallinules; seven species of endangered plants and insects; and provides nesting habitat forthe threatened green sea turtle.

Hamakua Marsh Restoration Funding to the State of Hawaii aided restoration of 22 acres ofwetland habitat for endangered waterbirds, and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. The projectincluded weed clearing, grading and sculpting, installation of a brackish water pump, re-vegetationwith native wetland and stream species, public education, and interpretive signage.

Kanaha Beach Dune and Wetland Restoration A cooperative project, bringing togethercommunity groups and federal, state, and county agencies, fenced and protected 53 acres of sanddunes and coastal wetlands in a Maui County park. The fence was installed to prevent additionaldamage to dunes by off-road vehicles and to allow recovery. Native plants, including rare andendangered species, are now being re-introduced by community volunteers. Kanaha Beach is oneof the last dune ecosystems remaining in Hawai‘i. Two endangered and many rare plants, anendangered insect, an endangered wetland bird, and migratory shorebirds are now protected.


CORAL REEFS

Pohnpei Marine Protected Area This project,located in the Federated States of Micronesia,provides assistance to communities in markingthe boundaries of multiple marine protected areas(MPAs) that protect 29,600 acres of coral reef andlagoon habitat; trains communities to monitorMPAs; and assists the communities to develop andimplement their own MPA management plans, incooperation with state agencies.

Hawaii Mooring Buoy Project Malama Kai, anon-profit environmental organization, is workingwith communities, commercial SCUBA operations,and agencies to install 40 new mooring buoys andmaintain an additional 125 existing mooringbuoys throughout Hawai‘ian nearshore waters.Buoys are located in popular dive sites and willsignificantly reduce anchor damage to coral reefs.

OFFSHORE ISLETS

Lehua Island Ecosystem Restoration Ecosystemrestoration has begun on 290-acre Lehua Island,located west of Kauai. Eradication of introducedrabbits and rats will allow re-planting of nativevegetation. Restoration will protect thousands ofnesting seabirds, attract new seabird species to theisland, allow native plants and insects to rebound, andprevent soil erosion into the marine environment.Numerous endangered and rare species will benefit.

Mokulua Islands Native Plant RestorationNative coastal vegetation is being restored on theMokulua Islets off the coast of Oahu. These islets arehome to large colonies of Wedge-tailed Shearwatersand native plants. Re-vegetation and other erosioncontrol techniques have reduced erosion and collapseof seabird burrows, and reduced sediment runoff ontosurrounding coral reefs.

Managaha Island Rat Eradication &Restoration Rats were eradicated on 10-acreManagaha Island, located in the Commonwealth ofthe Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Theeradication protected the only known colony of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters in CNMI. High-school studentsalso re-routed trails and re-planted vegetation toreduce human impacts on the seabird colony.


OFFSHORE ISLETS

Statewide Offshore Islet Surveys and Restoration Planning The PICP chairs and providesfunds to the Hawai‘i Offshore Islet Restoration Committee (OIRC). OIRC, a multi-agencycoordinating group, is conducting statewide surveys of all major offshore islets and is using the datato identify and prioritize conservation actions. The offshore islets are home to many rare andendangered species of seabirds, plants, insects, and marine organisms that are no longer present onthe larger, more densely populated islands in the state.

Islet Surveys of Endemic InsectsBishop Museum is providing taxonomic identifications for terrestrial arthropods collected on severaloffshore islets in Hawai‘i. Terrestrial arthropods are poorly known and are of great conservationconcern. The survey has already identified previously unknown populations of rare, endemicarthropods and will be used to guide conservation actions.

Pacific Islands Coastal Program HighlightsBIOLOGICAL SURVEYS &CONSERVATION PLANNINGBIOLOGICAL SURVEYS &CONSERVATION PLANNING



Waimanalo Watershed Restoration Plan A restoration plan was completed for the Waimanalowatershed on O‘ahu, based on scientific input and the priorities of the Waimanalo community. Theplan outlines several strategies and specific projects for restoring streams, streamside vegetation,and nearshore marine areas.

Palau Watershed Conservation This project supports watershed planning and conservation inthe Republic of Palau, an island nation with the highest terrestrial and marine biodiversity inMicronesia. Watershed-scale planning, including a mangrove management plan, is being adopted bythe government and integrated into land-use planning. Control of land-based problems will benefitPalau’s spectacularly diverse forest and coral reef ecosystems.

Anchialine Pool Surveys Biologists completed biological surveys of anchialine pools, a rare type ofcoastal wetland supporting rare invertebrate communities, in two state preserves on Maui andHawai‘i Island. The pools are home to several species of shrimp endemic or indigenous to Hawaii,six of which are candidates for listing as endangered species. State wildlife managers are using thesurvey results, which includes a threat assessment, to change regulations and public use patterns toprotect these habitats.

CORAL REEFS

American Samoa Marine Alien Survey Biologists completed the first surveys in AmericanSamoa documenting the distribution of marine alien species on coral reefs. Alien species weredetected in Pago Pago Harbor but are not currently spreading. This is valuable baseline data formarine managers and is key for interpreting future surveys and forming management strategies.

Hawai‘i Marine GAP Project This project gathered and digitized nearshore marine data forHawai‘i to construct GIS data layers. Data layers include species locations, habitat types,recreational and cultural uses, land ownership, and threats to species and habitats. The finalproduct will be used by managers to assess potential impacts of development projects and to modeleffectiveness and impacts of possible choices for marine protected areas.


Pacific Islands Coastal Program HighlightsEDUCATION & OUTREACH PROJECTSEDUCATION & OUTREACH PROJECTS

CORAL REEFS

Palau Sea Turtle Education Project Government agencies and environmental groups in theRepublic of Palau teamed up to create a public education campaign for threatened and endangeredsea turtle species. Billboards, radio spots, school visits, an aquarium exhibit, and printed materialwill emphasize the biological and traditional cultural value of sea turtles – and how they can beconserved.

Community Marine Management Network PICP funds supported several coastal communitiesaround Hawai‘i to form a network and hold periodic meetings with each other, state agencies, andothers, to determine how communities can take an active role in managing ocean resources neartheir homes. As a result, some communities have developed Makai Watch programs in partnershipwith state law enforcement officers. Community members are trained to monitor biologicalconditions and human uses and to report violations to the authorities. An integral part of thisprogram is the documentation and revival of traditional Hawai‘ian methods for harvesting andmanaging marine resources.

Campbell High School Seaweed Project This project provided resources to Hawai‘i high schoolstudents to conduct applied research and monitoring in a local, nearshore area traditionally used byHawai‘ians for harvest of edible seaweeds (limu). A variety of fish and invertebrates, as well as athreatened species of sea turtle also utilize this habit. Students conducted water quality samplingto understand the impacts of stormwater runoff. They integrated their scientific understanding withtraditional knowledge by working with community elders to learn Hawaiian methods to harvest andconserve limu.



Plays for Environmental Education PICP provided funds to Ohia Productions, a group thatwrites and performs plays with environmental themes for thousands of school age childrenthroughout Hawai‘i. Ohia Productions hired an educational consultant to produce a curriculum thatschool teachers will use to reinforce the conservation themes introduced by the plays.

Wing Beach Sea Turtle Restoration and Outreach Wing Beach is one of only three nesting siteson Saipan used by threatened green sea turtles, but was, until recently, heavily impacted by off-roadvehicles. In addition to blocking vehicle access to the beach, this project funded production ofeducational signs explaining basic turtle biology, why the beach was blocked, and how the public canhelp turtles.

Coastal and Wetland Education Programs The Hawai‘i Nature Center offers long-term, coastaland wetland education programs to large numbers of elementary school students on O‘ahu andMaui. PICP support for these programs helped provide thousands of students an opportunity tolearn and appreciate the ecology of seabirds and endangered, native waterbirds such as theHawai‘ian stilt and the Hawai‘ian coot.

OFFSHORE ISLETS

Offshore Islet Education The Offshore Islet Restoration Committee (OIRC) used PICP funds tocreate several educational products to heighten awareness of the need for conserving endemic andindigenous species restricted to offshore islets in Hawai‘i. OIRC educational products include awebsite, informational cards for kayakers bound for offshore islets, T-shirts, press releases, and aseabird conservation poster targeting recreational fishermen.

Mokulua Islet Interpretive Signs This project placed a University of Hawaii scientist, elementaryschool teachers, and children together to work on a resource conservation issue. The childrendesigned and placed interpretive signs on Mokulua Islet on Earth Day 2005 and the event wascovered by local TV stations and newspapers. The signs explain islet biology, threats to nestingseabirds and other islet biota, and how the numerous visitors to the islet can help.


Pacific Islands Coastal Program HighlightsFOCUSED CONSERVATION RESEARCHFOCUSED CONSERVATION RESEARCH


Kalaeloa Anchialine Pool Restoration This project experimentally restored rare Hawai‘iwetland habitat on a National Fish and Wildlife Refuge by excavating fill material and monitoringfor the return of native flora and fauna. Anchialine pools are tidally influenced coastal wetlandswith a subsurface connection to the ocean through porous lava or limestone. Native shrimp havealready re-colonized the pools, indicating that this technique will be applicable to other areas.

Limahuli Stream Restoration Research University of Hawai‘i scientists quantified the effects ofrestoring native riparian vegetation on stream primary productivity and the subsequent effects onnative fish and invertebrate populations. Study results will be used to determine riparianrestoration strategies statewide.

Waimanalo Stream Restoration Research Researchers experimented with the use nativeriparian vegetation, stone, and other organic materials for protecting against erosion of steep,artificially constructed stream banks. Successful techniques are being integrated into streamrestoration guidance for Hawai‘i.

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OFFSHORE ISLETS

Cocos Island Rat Eradication TechniquesResearch on Cocos Island, Guam, is developingeradication techniques for invasive rats that willminimize impacts to non-target, native species ofcoconut crabs, reptiles, and birds.

Midway Atoll Ant Eradication This project isinvestigating the efficacy of ant eradicationtechniques on small islets and the impacts tonon-target insects. Results will assist inmanaging invasive ant populations that arestrongly suspected to be a major cause of thedecline of many native species.

Lehua Islet Vegetation Recovery MonitoringScientific monitoring, to be carried out inassociation with Lehua Islet ecosystemrestoration project, will document recovery ofnative plant species and quantify whether theremoval of introduced herbivores results inappearance of new weed species.

CORAL REEFS

Coral Reef Disease Study Researchersquantified the type and distribution of coraldiseases at different locations in the tropicalPacific, obtaining photographs and tissuesamples of lesions and tumors, andcharacterizing and recording the histology ofdiseased coral tissues. This information willallow marine resource managers to betterdocument, describe, and understand theoccurrence of diseases in corals.

Endangered Crocodile Genetics Study YaleUniversity is using molecular geneticstechniques to determine if the population ofendangered saltwater crocodiles in theRepublic of Palau is composed of one or moreseparate species and if the population reflectsthe genetic influence of alien crocodilianspecies introduced by humans. Results will beused to help formulate a national crocodilemanagement plan.


Pacific Islands Coastal Program Projects

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The traditional Hawai‘ian Ahupua‘a concept, which emphasizes local, integratedwatershed management from the mountain tops to the coral reefs, provides a viablemodel today for community-based natural resource management.

2000Hawaii Hawksbill Sea Turtle Conservation Program Hawaii NPS-Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkMidway Ant Eradication Study Midway USFWS-Midway Atoll National Wildlife RefugeCoral Disease Study Multi-island USGS-Natl Wildlife Health Research CenterKaena Point Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Oahu Hawaii Natural Area Reserve SystemMarine Alien Species Workshop Multi-island University of Hawaii, Bishop MuseumStatewide Coastal Vegetation Surveys Multi-island USGS-Biological Resources DisciplineUkoa Marsh Fence and Restoration Plan Oahu Kamehameha SchoolsWaimanalo Watershed Project Oahu Waimanalo Health CenterWetland Information Network Multi-island Ducks Unlimited, Inc.Wetland Plant Restoration Trials Multi-island University of HawaiiHistorical Marine Research GIS Data Layer Multi-island NOAA, University of Hawaii

2001Ahihi-Kinau NAR Signs Maui Hawaii Natural Area Reserve SystemAnchialine Pool Surveys Multi-island Environmental Assessment CompanyBishop Museum Insect ID Contract Multi-island Bishop MuseumHamakua Marsh Restoration Oahu The Wildlife Society- Hawaii ChapterHawaii Nature Center Coastal Education Program Maui Hawaii Nature Center- MauiHawaii Nature Center Coastal Education Program Oahu Hawaii Nature Center- OahuHeeia Stream Restoration Oahu Friends of Heeia State ParkKaena Point Education Project Oahu Hawaii Division of Forestry and WildlifeLaysan Greenhouse and Restoration Laysan USFWS- Hawaiian/Pacific Islands NWRCLehua Island Baseline Survey Lehua National Tropical Botanical GardenLimahuli Stream Restoration & Monitoring Kauai UH-Hawaii Stream Research CenterMana Wetland Restoration Plan Kauai Ducks Unlimited, Inc.Manuka NAR Signs Hawaii Hawaii Division of Forestry and WildlifeMaui Hawksbill Sea Turtle Conservation Maui Hawaii Wildlife FundLaysan Pollen Coring Study Laysan International Archaeological ResearchOahu Seabird Island Habitat Restoration Oahu Hawaii Division of Forestry and WildlifePalau Saltwater Crocodile Report Palau Watanabe ConsultantsStatewide Coastal Plant Database Multi-island Bishop MuseumWaimanalo Stream Vegetation Study Oahu University of Hawaii

2002American Samoa Marine Alien Survey American Samoa Bishop Museum, National Park ServiceHawaii Hawksbill Sea Turtle Conservation Program Hawaii NPS-Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkKahuku Golf Course Seabird Fence/Signs Oahu USFWS- Oahu National Wildlife RefugeKalaeloa Coastal Strand Restoration Oahu Kaala Farms, Inc.Lawai Kai Coastal Restoration Kauai National Tropical Botanical GardenMarine GAP Analysis Multi-island The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, NOAAMoomomi community-based marine management Molokai The Nature ConservancyOffshore Islet Restoration Multi-island Bishop Museum, The Nature ConservancyPalau Dugong and Crocodile Surveys Palau The Nature ConservancySealife Park Seabird Rehab Pool Oahu Sea Life ParkWaipa Coastal and Riparian Restoration Kauai Waipa Foundation


2003Offshore Islet Insect ID Contract Multi-island Bishop MuseumCampbell High School Limu Project Oahu James Campbell High SchoolHawaii Coastal Atlas Multi-island The Trust for Public Land- Hawaii Field OfficeKamilo Boundary Survey Hawaii Hawaii Wildlife FundKanaha Dune Coastal Strand Restoration Maui Community Work Day, County of Maui, USGS-BRDLaysan Ant Project Laysan The Wildlife Society- Hawaii ChapterLehua Island Alien Species and NEPA Lehua The Wildlife Society- Hawaii ChapterOhia Productions Educational Project Multi-island Ohia ProductionsPalau Sea Turtle Monitoring Palau Palau Bureau of Marine ResourcesPalmyra Insect Surveys Palmyra Bishop Museum

2004Cocos Island Rat Eradication Research Guam APHIS-Wildlife ServicesKalaeloa Anchialine Pool Restoration Oahu The Wildlife Society- Hawaii ChapterKona Pritchardia Restoration Hawaii TREE CenterManagaha Island Seabird Project CNMI CNMI Division of Fish and WildlifeNanakuli Limu Project Oahu Kai MakanaOffshore Islet Restoration Multi-island Pelea PacificaPalau Saltwater Crocodile Management Project Palau Palau Bureau of Marine ResourcesPohnpei Marine Protected Areas Project Pohnpei Conservation Society of PohnpeiWing Beach Sea Turtle Project CNMI CNMI Coastal Resources ManagementHawaii Community Marine Management Hawaii Community Conservation Network

2005American Samoa Wetland Signs American Samoa ELG Environmental ServicesKanaha Dune Restoration Maui Community Work DayLehua Island Restoration Lehua The Wildlife Society- Hawaii ChapterPalau Bird and Bat Surveys Palau Palau Conservation SocietyPohnpei Marine Protected Areas Project Pohnpei Conservation Society of PohnpeiKosrae Marine Protected Areas Project Kosrae Kosrae Conservation & Safety OrganizationPalau Sea Turtle Management Palau Community Conservation NetworkPalau Crocodile Genetics Study Palau Yale UniversityRose Atoll Resources Summary American Samoa Sula RestorationOffshore Islet Resource Survey Multi-island Pelea PacificaHawaii Statewide Mooring Buoy Project Multi-island Malama KaiReef Etiquettte PSA for Tourists Multi-island For the Sea ProductionsHawaii State Marine Alien Prevention Program Multi-island Hawaii Division of Aquatic ResourcesHawaii Makai Watch Programs Multi-island Hawaii Wildlife Fund, NOAA,

Community Conservation Network


U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicePacific Islands Office300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 3-122Phone: 808/792 9400Fax: 808/792 9580

http://pacificislands.fws.gov

Hawaii RelayTTY 1 800/643 8833Voice 1 800/546 2565

November 2005

Documents

Pacific Islands Coastal Program Accomplishment Report · 2006-06-12 · Pacific Islands Coastal Program PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Pacific Islands Coastal Program (PICP) is one of 21 such