The Oceanic Institute (OI) of Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) has received a grant from the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help restore Hawaii’s vulnerable limu (seaweed) populations.
The move is aligned with Governor Ige’s January 2022 proclamation to make 2022 “Year of the Limu”.
“This project will fulfill NOAA priorities to support local aquafarmers and recreational fishing communities, including local limu pickers, and has the potential to protect nearshore fisheries by promoting ecological services provided by cultured limu,” said principal investigator of the grant and Executive Director of OI Shaun Moss.
HPU’s $187,699 grant will directly benefit Hawaii’s aquafarmers and community organisations involved in limu restoration, as well as the local recreational fishing communities.
Limu is an integral part of the traditional Hawaiian diet and is also used for medicinal, religious and cultural purposes, and ceremonial adornments.
