The U.S. Navy is gearing up to initiate a significant removal operation targeting the invasive coral species, Unomia stolonifera, that has covered approximately 80 acres in Pearl Harbor. Commonly referred to as “pulsing coral” or “stoloniferous fire coral,” this octocoral was first identified in the harbor in 2020 and is known for its captivating, swaying tentacles, which has made it a favored species for aquariums. However, its introduction, likely due to aquarium dumping, poses a severe threat to Hawaiʻi’s reef ecosystem.
Experts, including Christy Martin from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, have labeled the situation an environmental emergency, emphasizing that the coral’s ability to fragment and proliferate further jeopardizes local marine life. The invasive coral, capable of suffocating native hard stony corals that provide critical habitats for reef fish, has already caused significant disruption in areas like northern Venezuela and the Caribbean Sea.
In response to the coral’s alarming growth, the Navy has experimented with various eradication methods. They have discovered that covering the coral with heavy tarps, which suffocate the organisms by depriving them of oxygen, proves most effective. Initial tests showed that it takes just over a week for the coral to die under these conditions. The Navy is set to expand these efforts next month, systematically applying the tarp method to different sections of the affected reef until the invasive species is completely eradicated.
Although the Navy acknowledges that this project may extend over several years, they remain optimistic about achieving total removal. This success could position Pearl Harbor as a crucial case study for tackling the same issue in other regions affected by the octocoral.
The initiative is dependent on funding and the ongoing cooperation of local agencies. While there is hope for eradication, concerns persist regarding the Navy’s capacity to fully contain the spread of the coral, especially given the regular movement of vessels in and out of the harbor. There is a pressing need for community awareness, as local organizations continue campaigns to discourage the dumping of unwanted aquarium species into local waters.
In summary, while significant challenges remain in addressing the invasive coral issue at Pearl Harbor, proactive measures and collaboration between military and local agencies present a hopeful avenue towards safeguarding Hawaiʻi’s delicate marine ecosystems. This highlights the importance of keeping invasive species at bay and ensuring public education on responsible pet ownership to prevent future ecological crises.