2022 is the Year of the Limu

 

In honor of the Year of the Limu, our intertidal exploration will focus on limu (algae).

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As part of your exploration you can participate in a biodiversity community survey—a "bioblitz." A bioblitz is a community-science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible.

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Exactly where is this event?

• Drive to One‘ula Beach Park.

• Bioblitz will take place at the intertidal bench Diamond Head of the parking lot. 

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How do I participate in the bioblitz? (optional)

• Use iNaturalist—download the app and make your own account.

  • ​Click here for directions on how to use iNaturalist. 

• Take pictures of the organisms you see—limu (algae), invertebrates, and fish!

• Link your pictures to the iNaturalist project "Intertidal of Hawai‘i."

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Volunteers will facilitate the use of iNaturalist, help with identifications, and share information about the intertidal and limu!​​​

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Why else should I come?

• Limu crayon coloring station for the keiki!

• Limu pressing station!

• Learn about limu from Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo (KUA), UHM Marine Option Program (MOP), Oceania, OPIHI (Our Project In Hawai'i‘s Intertidal), University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, and others! 

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How do I register? 

• Register here. Registration will allow us to mindfully plan the event based on the number of participants. We will remind you of the event and let you know if it has to be canceled (e.g., due to inclement weather). 

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Are you an educator?

• Doing a bioblitz is a great way to explore an environment with your students (in the intertidal, or elsewhere)!

• Join us to learn about using bioblitzes in the classroom on Tuesday, April 26th at 4pm in partnership with What Schools Could Be. 

  • Sign up for an account (free) and check out "events" in the left-hand menu bar. 

  • Event is called "What is a Bioblitz? Q & A."

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What to Bring

• Wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet and reduce the possibility of slipping (e.g., reef walkers, tabis, water shoes, old sneakers). 

• Bring your charged phone. To take pictures and use the iNaturalist app. 

• Sun protection (e.g., reef-safe sunscreen, hat, long sleeves)

• Water! Bring your filled water bottles. Additional water (from jugs) will be available on site. 

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Respect the Environment​

• Please show respect. Hawai‘i's coasts are 'ocean gardens' tended by local communities who have intimate knowledge of these places. This scientific knowledge is the result of kilo, careful observation, by generations of Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiians). 

• When picking limu, leave the holdfast (where it is attached to the rock) so the limu will grow back. Do NOT pick algae from limu-protected areas. 

• The intertidal is a place that many organisms call home. Respect their space by replacing overturned rocks and being mindful of your footsteps. 

• If you handle organisms, keep them wet, treat them gently, and return them to where you found them. 

• Most wild organisms do not fare well in tanks. Snap a picture and leave your favorite critters at the beach.​

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Safety First​

• Take turns with a buddy to watch the ocean and keep your knees bent to stabilize yourself. 

• Do not put your fingers into holes or crevices. Although most intertidal organisms are harmless, some may bite, pinch, or sting. 

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FREE Limu Resources

• Use the Field Guide to Hawai‘i's Coastal Organisms to help you identify your finds! A PDF of the guide is here, or you can purchase laminated copies.

• Hawai‘i Sea Grant's magazine Ka Pili Kai issue called Limu: Gifts from the Sea. We will have copies on site, you can also request physical copies here. 

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Questions? Comments?

Contact Joanna Philippoff (philippo@hawaii.edu) or Anuschka Faucci (anuschka@hawaii.edu) for more information.

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