University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	November 25, 1998
Contact: Mike Hamnett / UH - 956-7469; Athline Clark/DLNR- 587-0099

UH, DLNR Sign Coral Reef Research Memorandum The University of Hawaii and the Department of Land and Natural resources (DLNR) today formalized their working arrangement for coral reef research in Hawaii. UH Senior Vice President for Research, Alan Teramura, and State Land Board Chairperson Michael Wilson this morning signed a join Memorandum of Understanding which will promote coordination between the University of Hawaii and DLNR for research and monitoring activities aimed at improving the state's capacity for coral reef management. "Given our broad expertise in the ocean sciences at the university and the management mandate for coral reefs in DLNR, we view this as the beginning of an ongoing relationship," Teramura said. Wilson pointed out that DLNR currently manages more than 410,000 acres of coral reef. "This is about 80% of all of the coral reefs under U.S. jurisdiction. Protecting coral reef resources has been a high priority for the department, and this working agreement is a significant step forward in ensuring the continued and future health of our reef resources." The university earlier this year was awarded a $475,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Research Program. Original funds to support the program were obtained through the efforts of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. A similar amount has been appropriated for the new fiscal year. The program will monitor coral reefs to determine how they are affected by overfishing, sedimentation, pollution, algae blooms and introduced species. Research activities will develop a better understanding of biological and physical processes that affect reef ecosystems and establish information systems to store and allow access to research and monitoring date. The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a management committee and a technical committee to assist in the review of research projects and proposals for new activities.

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