PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Rachel Dacks
Co-INVESTIGATORS: Kawika Winter, Sarah Woo
Graduate fellow: Kammie Tavares
Research Track: Island Sustainability and Resilience

This project proposes a framework for integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to inform sustainable coral reef fisheries management, focusing on the critical context of Hawaiʻi. Across the Pacific, traditional practices, often guided by intergenerational lawaiʻa (generational fishers), have historically led to resilient reef ecosystems through practices like the use of place- based kapu (restrictions). However, due to centuries of external stressors and a shift to top-down management, Hawaiʻi’s reefs are in decline, threatening the subsistence and cultural practices of local communities. The research advocates for a “two-eyed seeing” approach, which necessitates relationship building and reciprocal knowledge sharing between lawaiʻa, marine scientists, and resource managers. The project utilizes Kāneʻohe Bay, Oʻahu, as an ideal case study to develop specific models for co-production. Ultimately, this work aims to characterize a shared understanding of a “healthy reef” and facilitate collaborative spaces that will lead to more effective, place-based fisheries management and stronger, more resilient coastal communities.