Drones Aid in Revitalizing Hawaiian Fishponds
Summary:
Researchers from the University of HawaiÊ»i, alongside Native Hawaiian fishpond practitioners, are utilizing drones to support the restoration and resilience of traditional Hawaiian fishponds, known as loko iÊ»a. These drones are proving to be effective tools for mapping and monitoring the fishponds, offering insights into flooding and sea-level rise impacts. A study published in the Journal of Remote Sensing highlights that drone-derived models are more accurate compared to older LiDAR models for predicting flooding. This initiative, funded by NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), also aims to engage and support Native Hawaiian students in climate-related research. The team continues to work with local communities, employing modern technology to enhance the management and resilience of these culturally significant coastal resources.