1. Hale Kula Elementary
Growing Sea Urchins

2. Problem-Invasive Seaweed
( Smothering Seaweed and Gorilla Ogo )
• Invasive algae
(Smothering Seaweed
(Kappaphycus /
Eucheuma), and Gorilla
Ogo (Gracilaria salicornia)
has been growing in
Kaneohe Bay for more
than 30 years. Many reefs
throughout the bay are
highly affected by their
spread.

3. Possible Solution 1- Super Sucker
• Good tool to collect invasive algae from Kaneohe Bay.
• Collects about 2-8 thousand pounds of limu per day.
• Given to farmers for composting.
• However, in 5-6 months algae returns.

4. Possible Solution 2-Sea Urchins
• Sea urchins will eat
invasive seaweed
(Smothering Seaweed
and Gorilla Ogo ) and
help control its growth
in the ocean.

5. Method 1-Growing Sea Urchins
Fresh Water + Salt Water Powder
Water:
- Mixture of freshwater and
instant ocean water mix.
Sea urchin food:
- Seaweed
- Farm feed
- Nori
Results:
- Many of the sea urchins in
our tanks did not
survive, about 15-20 sea
urchins were released in
December 2012.

6. Students Taking Data

7. Method 2- Growing Sea Urchins
Using Salt Water
Water:
- Salt water was obtained
from a faucet in Sand
Island.
Sea Urchin Food:
- Only limu or ogo
Results:
- Higher percentage of
survival rate for our sea
urchin.

8. Ocean Release of Sea Urchins
December 2012

9. Conclusions-
Best way to grow Sea Urchins
• Avoid touching sea
urchins regularly.
• Use ocean water to
grow them in.
• Clean water filter and
scrub aquarium weekly.