Resource managers and leading marine invasive species experts from Hawaiʻi, Florida, and U.S. Territories recently gathered in Hawaiʻi for the Unomia Learning Exchange Workshop, a critical meeting focused on preventing and responding to new threats to coral reefs. During the workshop, organized by the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补, participants shared knowledge and strategize against the spread of high-risk invasive species, particularly those stemming from the illegal release or outplanting of marine aquarium species, and high-risk coral diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.
The event focused on the alarming rise of species originating from the marine aquarium trade, particularly a soft coral known as Unomia stolonifera. This species has rapidly overwhelmed reefs in Venezuela and has now been found in Hawaiʻi, where an eradication effort is underway. Similarly, Xenia umbellata, another popular aquarium soft coral, was recently discovered on reefs in Puerto Rico. These cases underscore the urgent need for a unified response to the illegal release of aquarium animals.
“The release of these species, whether intentional or accidental, poses a significant threat to our fragile marine ecosystems,” said Christy Martin, Program Manager for CGAPS, a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, 糖心Vlog官方 Manoa. “This workshop provided a vital platform for experts to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. By sharing what we know, we can build stronger defenses to protect our reefs from these aggressive invaders.”
A key component of the workshop was a tabletop exercise where participants simulated a rapid response scenario to a Unomia detection. This exercise, which followed the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force guidelines, helped inform the development of comprehensive response plans for state and territorial waters. The workshop also previewed a new planning tool from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Species Invasion Rapid Response Information Network to help communities create their own early detection and rapid response plans.
Attendees also visited the Waikīkī Aquarium to get a firsthand look at live samples of invasive species like Unomia stolonifera. The Aquarium is a unit of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 and is a partner in the state’s “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign, which educates the public about the severe consequences of releasing aquarium animals.
In Hawaiʻi, the possession or import of non-native marine aquarium animals requires a special permit that is not available to individuals or businesses and is a felony, with penalties that can include large fines and prison time. To provide an alternative, the Aquarium also serves as an official amnesty drop-off site where people can surrender illegal aquatic animals without penalty. Amnesty locations include Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offices statewide.
The workshop was supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coral Reef Stewardship Fund to the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, with additional support from the Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation and Bishop Museum. This collaboration highlights the critical role of partnerships in tackling complex environmental challenges and protecting the health of our oceans.
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