UH teams up with Makai Watch to host ‘Eat the Invaders’ fishing tournament in Kāneʻohe
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
The Kāneʻohe to Kualoa Makai Watch (KKMW) Program, a community-led initiative dedicated to the health and sustainability of Hawaiʻi's nearshore marine environments, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are proud to announce two tournaments this weekend, the “Heʻeia Pier Keiki Fishing Tournament” and the "Eat the Invaders" Fishing Tournament this Saturday, July 26, in Kāneʻohe Bay. These tournaments build on an annual fishing tournament, the “Heʻeia Pier Jackpot Fishing Tournament,” also taking place the same day and organized by one of our KKMW members.
This exciting series of community events aims to educate keiki about pono fishing practices and raise awareness about invasive fish species by encouraging their removal to protect native marine life and restore ecological balance.
In addition to being fun-filled events for the community, the tournaments serve to educate the public about significant threats posed by introduced fishes such as the Roi (Peacock Grouper), Taʻape (Bluestripe Snapper), and Toʻau (Blacktail Snapper). These introduced species have unfortunately outcompeted native fish and disrupted delicate reef ecosystems. By targeting these invasive fishes, participants will directly contribute to the health and recovery of Kāneʻohe Bay's precious marine resources.
Participants will compete for prizes while helping to control populations of these detrimental species. Educational materials will be available to inform the public about responsible fishing practices and the importance of addressing invasive marine life.
Event details:
- What: Kāneʻohe to Kualoa Makai Watch “Heʻeia Pier Keiki Fishing Tournament” and "Eat the Invaders" Fishing Tournament
- When: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Where: Heʻeia Pier
- Target Species: Roi (Peacock Grouper), Taʻape (Bluestripe Snapper), Toʻau (Blacktail Snapper)
About Makai Watch: The Kāneʻohe to Kualoa Makai Watch Program is one of many communities in the State of Hawaiʻi Makai Watch Program -collaborative, statewide initiative where citizens and non-governmental organizations directly engage with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in the management of marine resources. Makai Watch volunteers act as the "eyes and ears" on the water, promoting compliance with regulations, educating the public, and monitoring marine environments to ensure their long-term health and sustainability. The program reflects the traditional Hawaiian system of ahupuaʻa management, recognizing that those closest to the resources are best positioned to care for them.
About Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR): The Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) is a vital 1,385-acre protected area located in Kāneʻohe Bay, Oʻahu, encompassing diverse upland, wetland, stream, estuarine, coastal, and marine habitats. Designated in 2017, Heʻeia NERR is unique for its strong community involvement and its commitment to integrating Native Hawaiian traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific research for the sustainable management of its rich biocultural resources, including the Heʻeia Fishpond and vital wetlands. As part of a national system, it serves as a living laboratory for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship, aiming to foster resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities. The Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), a research unit of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, serves as the lead state agency for the Heʻeia NERR, contributing its expertise in marine science and research to support the reserve's mission of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific understanding for effective coastal management.