About Lindsey Kramer

Lindsey Kramer specializes in coral reef ecology and has lived on the Big Island since 2007. She's worked on numerous marine research projects with DLNR/DAR, the National Park Service, the Eyes of the Reef Network and the University of Hawaiʻi, and has a passion for finding ways to better protect Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems. She began contract work with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund in spring 2022.

Highlights from the Hawaiʻi Predator Control and Wetland Workshop on Maui

Last week, our team at Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund joined experts from across Hawaiʻi Nei and beyond at the Hawaiʻi Predator Control and Wetland Workshop held in Kahului, Maui to share practical management expertise and help preserve our precious wetland habitats and associated native species.

Help stop the spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros beetle

Grubs of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) were found at a Hawaiʻi Island residence, likely transported within store-bought soil or compost products. These beetles are known for boring into unopened fronds of palms to feed on sap, eventually killing the “tree” (technically a perennial flowering plant). On Hawaiʻi Island, these invasive beetles pose a serious threat to our five endemic species of loulu palms, of which three are already designated as endangered or critically imperiled. Please help prevent the spread of these beetles in your area by reporting any sightings of grubs or beetles to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline: (808) 643-PEST (7378).

Coral reef grazers: Be sure to weigh in on the new proposed rules

Grazers, also referred to as herbivores, help keep coral reef areas healthy and resilient by consuming and removing most types of algae. This regular clearing of algae creates space for corals to grow and also opens up the reef for new larval corals to settle. Be sure to weigh in on the new proposed rules to protect reef grazers in Hawaiʻi.

Reef creature feature: Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora meandrina)

As we approach the beginning of the coral spawning season for many of Hawaii’s coral species, we wanted to feature the once common and critically important habitat architect, Pocillopora meandrina, commonly known as cauliflower coral. Unfortunately, we learned in 2015 that cauliflower coral is highly susceptible to heat stress and bleaching. Spawning events play a key role in the recovery of this species.

New pākuʻikuʻi (Acanthurus achilles) rules for West Hawaiʻi

In December 2022, the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) approved a new, temporary rule prohibiting the take of pāku‘iku‘i (Acanthurus achilles) within the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area (WHRFMA) on Hawai‘i Island. This is the first time that the Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR-DAR) has adopted rules under the adaptive management rulemaking authority, which allows for temporary management measures in response to observed population declines.

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