Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

Dr. John H.R. Burns Image from MEGA Lab

     University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo professor, Dr. John H.R. Burns, leads the team of scientists to 3D map the planet’s premier surf breaks to help better protect reefs around the world. Burns, along with Dr. Haunani Kane and Dr. Cliff Kapono, both of Arizona State University, recently mapped the reef at Kurukuru Mailani in Fiji, also known as Cloudbreak, which is home to some of the biggest and best waves in the world. The team takes high resolution images of the reef and uses a technique called photogrammetry to create 3D reconstructions that can be studied to help provide a better understanding of reef systems.
    “These models will help us to understand the composition, characteristics and ecology of the reef and these waves that will help us to protect them in the face of disturbances such as sea level rise,” said Burns, an associate professor of marine science at UH Hilo.

Dr. Cliff Cliff Kapono Image from MEGA Lab

   According to the UH statement, the researchers are skilled surfers and base their work out of the MEGA lab in Hilo. The MEGA Lab specializes in inventing new methods to study coral health and reef formation that influences the shape and speed of waves across the globe. The non-profit is a global consortium of scientists, athletes and artists working together to create innovative solutions to protect the ocean.
    UH students and alumni Kailey Pascoe (MS, UH Hilo, PhD ASU), Crispin Nakoa (MS, UH Hilo, PhD ASU), Atsuko Fukunaga (MS, UH Mānoa) are analyzing data collected in Fiji and constructing high definition 3D reconstructions in the MEGA Lab.
    “The 3D maps give us this framework, essentially a basis of the whole system and its structure and then we figure out which specific corals are supporting various types of fish and ultimately we can dissect what elements of the reef give us the food and the resources that we as humans depend on,” said Burns.

Dr. Haunani Kane Image from MEGA Lab

    The 3D reef mapping project born out of the MEGA Lab is a collaboration between the Hawaiʻi Island-based lab, surf apparel brand REEF and Surfline, a surf forecast and news website. The project first launched in 2021 at the legendary surf break Banzai Pipeline on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The surfing scientists conducted multiple trips to the North Shore to image the famous surfing spot known for its jagged, sharp reef.
    “Many funding agencies may see this type of trip as strictly play, but we are doing real science down here,” said Kapono, who is the son of the Cliff Kapono who lives in Waiohinu.
   The team has not disclosed where their next reef research will take place however they do mention looking for possible spots in the South Pacific and aim to include local communities into the research.
   “It’s important to remember that we are visitors in these places and learn from the Indigenous peoples before we impose our tools on the community,” said Kane.
    More on the MEGA Lab: This fall, MEGA Lab celebrated the grand opening of its new outreach location at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo. The lab is open to the public and provides a space for visitors of all ages to learn and participate in branches of research connected to marine science.

Research technician Kailey Pascoe mapping Cloudbreak reef in Fiji, one of the best surfing spots on the planet.   Photo by Todd Glaser

    “We really want to create an engaging place for people to feel like they can be a part of science. For a while, science hasn’t been the most welcoming environment. It can be somewhat rigid and sterile. We just wanted to flip that script and show students that you can have fun. You can chase your passions. You can be yourself,” said Burns.

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To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.   

FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE ALERTED THAT CROP INSURANCE deadlines are looming. The application period closes Dec. 31 for coffee trees, coffee fruit, banana trees, macadamia nut trees, macadamia nuts, and papaya trees. 

     Crop insurance agent Bonnie Lind is on island to meet farmers and ranchers in-person to teach them about coffee crop insurance and the federal Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program. She met with Ka'u Coffee farmers on Monday and is available again on Thursday at the CTAHR Kona Extension Service Conference Rom at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy in Kealakekua from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Phone 888-276-7728 or email agsecure@sbcglobal.net.