Visioning the future of Aquaculture in Hawai‘i

Abstract

The University of Hawai‘i Aquaculture Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary) co-hosted “Ho‘olālā i ka mahii‘a o kēia mua aku”, a workshop focused on visioning the future of aquaculture in Hawai‘i. The workshop offered an opportunity to bring diverse stakeholders together to facilitate a dialogue on issues regarding aquaculture in Hawai‘i and to build relationships to promote future collaborations. Topics of discussion included food safety and security - sustaining local communities by enhancing locally produced and consumed foods; stimulating job creation while conserving natural and cultural resources, existing and future aquaculture projects, considerations for project siting and national aquaculture policies. A Workshop Advisory Team (WAT) was formed to plan the workshop and was comprised of cultural advisors, community and stakeholder representatives, and state and federal agency representatives. The WAT identified a workshop process, content, and potential participants. The workshop was the first of a series of planned discussions and brought together cultural and fishpond practitioners, community members, farmers, business and food industry representatives, subject matter experts, state and federal agency representatives and marine resource managers. The first day of the workshop was an information-sharing day open to the public. The format included presentations and panel discussions with opportunities for questions and answers. Presentations were provided on topics including: • Historical context of aquaculture in Hawai‘i • Current aquaculture activities in Hawai‘i • A national perspective of aquaculture • The role of the Department of Land and Natural Resources in the oversight of aquaculture in the State of Hawai‘i. Panel discussions included: Native Hawaiian aquaculture practices; today’s open ocean aquaculture; and cultural and environmental considerations in aquaculture practices. The remaining two days of the workshop focused on identifying common ground among the diverse participants to stimulate value-based discussions among multiple stakeholder groups. The remainder of the workshop focused on the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) strategic planning process for invited participants. Appreciate Inquiry is a process that identifies areas of common ground within a diverse group and is highly effective in stimulating discussions based on shared values among multiple stakeholders through a series of iterative and interactive sessions. The “Ho‘olālā i ka mahii‘a o kēia mua aku” workshop provided an opportunity for diverse stakeholders to expand participation in aquaculture-related conversations that involve cultural, community, economic, and natural resource interests. By utilizing the Appreciate Inquiry strategic planning process, facilitators worked with participants to identify commonalities and shared values that promote relationship building and allow for future collaborations. Discussions served to share and increase participants knowledge of a variety of issues including food safety and security - sustaining local communities by enhancing locally produced and consumed foods; stimulating job creation while conserving natural and cultural resources, existing and future aquaculture projects, considerations for project siting and national aquaculture policies. Additionally, it was recognized that although the workshop was an important step in visioningthe future of aquaculture in Hawai‘i, ongoing discussions will have to include additionalcommunities and stakeholder representatives to engage others in the process. To that end, fishpond revitalization and restoration were recognized as an important issue for many participants and there was agreement that a follow-up workshop should be planned for fishpond practitioners and agencies to discuss obstacles and challenges to fishpond restoration. This workshop will serve as an important venue to continue sharing knowledge and experiences relative to engaging community members to provide input in considering the future of aquaculture in Hawai‘i. This report provides an account of “Ho‘olālā i ka mahii‘a o kēia mua aku” workshop, a historical context and information on current aquaculture activities in Hawai‘i, and supplemental information regarding aquaculture projects globally. The intent of the report is to provide transparency and share information more broadly with those who did not participate in the workshop.