Meet Maui’s Voice of the Reef: the Maui Coral Reef Recovery Team

January 15th- Members of Maui County Council, the community and parter NGOs came together to meet the Maui Coral Reef Recovery Team (MCRT) during their 10th Meeting Celebration.  The MCRT was formed in 2010 to develop a results-driven plan for the recovery of Maui’s reefs, the Maui Coral Reef Recovery Plan.  The plan is now being implemented at the first three selected reef recovery sites: Polanui in Lahaina, Olowalu, and Kahekili in Ka’anapali.  The day started with the MCRT’s 10th meeting discussing recovery metrics and community training opportunities.  In the afternoon the MCRT was joined by guests and was treated to a private whale watch thanks to parter organization Pacific Whale Foundation.  The whales seemed to  know the boat was full of ocean lovers as they put on a great show of breaching and trumpeting!

The MCRT is composed of community members, scientists, and cultural representatives who recognize the importance of a bottoms-up approach to reef restoration.  By working together we stand the best chance of successful restoration for future generations.  The next MCRT meeting will be in April, at which time MCRT members will offer scientific trainings to the recovery sites based on their specific requests and needs of the communities.  One of the most important and valuable part of the Recovery Plan is that it can be adapted and translated to fit other island communities across the globe.