A community-driven fishing tournament concluded Sunday at Maunalua Bay, Oahu, with a fish fry celebrating the removal of invasive reef species. The “Eat the Invaders” Fishing Tournament, held at Kuliouou Beach Park, aimed to reduce populations of taape and toau, two fish not native to Hawaii, and highlight their potential as a sustainable food source.
The event was hosted in part by Malama Maunalua, a local organization focused on the restoration and stewardship of Maunalua Bay. Participants were encouraged to target the invasive fish, contributing to efforts to create more space for native species to thrive. Alika Garcia, executive director of Kuleana Coral Restoration and a fisherman of 25 years, explained the shift in approach to managing these species. “We got some taape, we’re just (trying to) remove some invasive fish and make homes for native fish,” Garcia said.
Garcia noted a growing awareness and support for invasive fish removal within the community. “The community has really gotten behind the importance of removing invasive fish, so maybe we’ll start doing it more now,” he said. He also pointed to similar initiatives on other Hawaiian islands and past efforts on Oahu, suggesting a renewed focus on this type of mitigation strategy. According to Hawaii News Now, the tournament was designed to demonstrate that these invasive fish are palatable and can contribute to local food security.
The tournament’s conclusion, marked by a community fish fry, signals a potential increase in these types of events. The initiative comes as Hawaii continues to grapple with the ecological impact of invasive species on its delicate reef ecosystems.