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Wetlands are Important

Definition of a Wetland

Wetlands are areas of land where water covers the soil or is present at or near the soil surface for all or parts of the year

Coastal wetlands will often have brackish water, a mix of saltwater and freshwater

Wetland Functions

1. Provide habitat

2. Natural water filter to trap sediment, nutrients and chemicals

3. Flood protection

4. Reduce erosion

5. Storm protection

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Wetlands of Hawai‘i

Natural Wildlife Refuge System (NWR)

Kawai Nui Marsh, O‘ahu

Kealia Pond NWR, Maui

Hanalei NWR, Kaua‘i

James Campbell NWR, O‘ahu

Kakahaia NWR, Moloka‘i

…and

many more!

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Coastal Wetlands

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Common Wetland Plants

Indigenous or Native Species

an organism that arrived at one place from somewhere else on its own, without man’s aid (may also reside elsewhere in the world)

Non-Native Species

an organism that has been accidentally or deliberately transported to its new location

“Pickle Weed”

akulikuli

akulikuli kai

The designated wetlands in Hawai’i are home to various species of plants and animals. Some of the plants and animals found in Hawai’i’s wetlands are known as indigenous or native species. (Read definition on the slide above) The picture on top, akulikuli, is native. Other plants and animals found in Hawai’i’s wetlands are non-native species. (Read definition from slide above)The picture on bottom, akulikuli kai (pickleweed), is non-native and competes with akulikuli to survive in the wetland habitat. Wetland birds are known to get tangled in the non-native akulikuli kai while they are able to navigate through the native akulikuli without troubles. This is one example of how non-native species can cause trouble for the habitat to which they are introduced.

(NOTE: This concept will be discussed in greater detail in Lesson 3)

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Endangered Wetland Birds

Endemic Species

an organism that evolved in one place and is found only there and nowhere else on Earth

Alae ke‘oke‘o – Hawaiian Coot

Ae΄o - Hawaiian Stilt

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Ae’o

Hawaiian Stilt

Is an Endangered Species
Is a wading bird frequently seen in Molokai wetlands
Can live to over 30 years
Is countershaded for camouflage with black feathers and white belly feathers
Develops red legs as an adult
Eats insects, aquatic plants and small fish
Travels within the Hawaiian Islands
Long legs bend backward

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Facts About the Hawaiian Stilt - Ae‘o

Diet: Invertebrates and other aquatic organisms (worms, crabs, fish)

Life Span: Unknown (oldest captured was 30 years old)

Size: Length: 35–39 cm (13.8–15.4 in); wingspan: 71 cm (28 in)

Fun Fact: They have the second-longest legs in proportion to their bodies of any bird, exceeded only by flamingos.

Males: Clearly Black and White

Females: Have a tinge of brown on their back

Ae’o nest in Koheo Wetland Ae’o in flight

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Wetland Native Plants

makaloa

kaluha

neke

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Makaloa – Weaving Material

The art of weaving Makaloa into high quality mats has almost vanished and been lost. Some very talented weavers are still crafting hats and mats by harvesting and weaving the treasured Makaloa.

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Wetlands and Sea Level Rise

“Under normal conditions, wetlands can naturally keep pace with changing sea levels. In a process called accretion, plants trap sediment, which increases the elevation of the wetland’s surface. However, due to climate change, higher rates of sea level rise are projected to “drown” many coastal wetland ecosystems. This means that sea levels could rise faster than a wetland’s natural accretion rate.”

As Sea Level Rises, wetlands will change. The influence of more salt water will

How can wetlands help us be more resilient to sea level rise?

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Reasons to LOVE Wetlands

Wetlands are a critical part of our environment in Hawaii. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. Wetlands help catch sediment caused by erosion and therefore protect our reefs. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else. Let’s work together to protect our wetlands!

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Sources

http://hwea.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/08_Robert_Bourke_Wetland_Restoration.pdf
NOAA SEA Curriculum
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Hanalei/wildlife_and_habitat/Hawaiian_Stilt.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/wetlands/about
Image of a Hawaiian Stilt nest at the Koheo wetland, https://themolokaidispatch.com/wetland-classroom-goes-high-tech/, sources 9/12/2020
“Making Way for Coastal Wetlands: a Look at Sea Level Rise and Urban Development.” Yale Environment Review, 13 Feb. 2019, environment-review.yale.edu/making-way-coastal-wetlands-look-sea-level-rise-and-urban-development.
Special Thanks to Arleone Dibben-Young