Hawaiian reef mesophotic zone. NOAA image.

Ke Kai – The Hawaiian Sea

As an island culture, we are strongly influenced by the sea. We even see this in the ahupuaʻa (traditional land use system), which includes reef and off-shore regions. Above, fish swim in the “twilight zone” of a Hawaiian reef.

Our reefs not only are beautiful, but they protect our shorelines, and provide a lot of food. Many of our traditional vegetables come from the sea. Limu (seaweed) is an important part of the Hawaiian diet.

Fish, of course, are a critical part of the marine ecosystem. Here is a little background on Fish Cognition!

Keoki and Yuko Stender maintain a wonderful on-line resource with gorgeous photos of Hawaiian marine life.

So, keep an eye out for updates as we add more to this section!

Malama pono, a hui hou!

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