Kuleana Coral partners with existing nonprofits and community groups that would benefit from marine monitoring and mapping beyond the shoreline.  For example, we complement existing land-based restoration with reef restoration to promote a mauka to makai (ridge to reef) approach to ecosystem regeneration.  We can provide all equipment and staff needed to produce detailed underwater maps of reefs/seafloor in a target area.  While we provide the scientific tools and ecological curriculum, we encourage  participants to interpret data in ways that they determine to be relevant, and in the context of their home ahupuaʻa system, encompassing mauka to makai (mountain top - ocean bottom).  As guests in these spaces, we value the opportunity to listen to our host’s experiences and manaʻo (thoughts, suggestions) regarding the places we kilo (watch, observe, forecast) together.

Kuleana Coral uses camera systems and computers as modern-day tools to ana (measure, survey) and apply the resulting data to traditional Hawaiian management practices.  By incorporating indigenous resource management we believe that locals — and especially native Hawaiian communities — will be empowered, knowing that our ancestors knew how to malama ʻaina (care for the land), and that we can take an active role in that tradition today.  This kuleana (stewardship) also creates a sense of ownership, given that we are tracking the recovery or decay of our own “backyard”. (link to monitoring page)

Typically in 1 field session we can produce 2 maps, each approximately 2500 sq ft of seafloor.  Where we apply the mapping would be determined by your group and where you prioritize as  important.