Timing and Abundance of Metopograpsus thukuhar Spawning in Relation to the Hawaiian Lunar Calendar and Tidal Changes at Honokea Loko iʻa

Project PI: Kainalu Steward

Project Advisor: Kamala Anthony

Loko iʻa, traditional Hawaiian aquaculture systems, were essentially sustainable refrigerators for the people of Hawaiʻi. Loko iʻa heavily rely on salt water and freshwater inputs to create a brackish water environment that attracts various marine life to feed within. The ʻalamihi, or Metopograpsus thukuhar, is an understudied crab that plays a key role in the foodweb of rocky and muddy brackish environments. My study takes place at Honokea loko iʻa, at Waiʻuli (Richardson's Beach Park), with the objective of observing the timing and abundance of Metopograpsus thukuhar spawning in comparison with the native Hawaiian lunar calendar and tidal changes.

Project completed