Expert to Discuss Status of Maui’s Waterways and Species

Aquatic Biologist Skippy Hau. Courtesy photo.

The status of Maui’s streams, estuaries and native freshwater species will be the subject of a free, public presentation by State of Hawai‘i Department Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Aquatic Biologist Skippy Hau at the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018.

The meeting will take place at Pacific Whale Foundation’s classrooms at the Mā‘alaea Harbor Shops at 300 Mā‘alaea Road. Refreshments will be served starting at 5 p.m., when the doors open. The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will conclude at 7:30 p.m.

Hau will also discuss his work with Maui’s sea turtles, including nesting sea turtles, hatchlings and the removal of an 8-pound tumor from a turtle.

According to Hau, Hawai‘i’s streams were once prime habitats for an abundance of native freshwater species including five native species of fishes, two species of crustacean and three species of mollusk.

Hau will discuss his research about Maui’s streams and estuaries and will present information on what has happened to them and the animals that once inhabited them in great numbers. He will also be presenting information on the impact of recent moves to restore water flow to Maui’s streams.

“We are delighted that Skippy Hau will be our featured presenter at our November meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council,” said Amy Hodges, programs manager at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. “He is a wealth of knowledge about Maui’s streams and estuaries, and is passionate about sharing his findings about these aquatic resources with the public.”

“The health of our streams, estuaries and watersheds has a direct impact on the health of our coral reefs and the quality of our nearshore ocean water,” said Hodges. “We are especially curious about how stream health has improved since the recent restoration of freshwater to our streams and look forward to Skippy’s observations on this topic.”

Hau has served as the aquatic biologist with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources on Maui for 33 years.

To learn more about Hawai‘i’s Division of Aquatic Resources, go online.

To learn more about Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, click here.