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Hawai‘i Pacific University receives NOAA grant to restore limu

Oceanic Institute of Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help restore Hawai‘i’s vulnerable limu (seaweed) populations, in response to Gov. David 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 Shaun Moss, principal investigator of the grant and executive director of the Oceanic Institute.

HPU was granted US$187,699 towards Hawai’i fish farmers and community organizations involved in limu restoration, as well as some local recreational fishing communities. Limu is an integral part of the traditional Hawaiian diet and is also used for medicinal, religious and cultural purposes.