Loko Iʻa Introduction

Kai Moku:
The Turn of the Tide

• Fishponds, or loko iʻa, were an essential part of ancient Hawaiian culture.

  • They provided a reliable source of food and demonstrated advanced aquaculture techniques.

     

Loko Iʻa

Types of Fishponds

• Loko kuapā: Walled ponds built along the shoreline.

• Loko wai: Freshwater ponds located inland.

• Each type was designed to suit different environments and fish species.

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• Fishponds used mākāhā (sluice gates) to control water flow and fish movement.

• Fish were trapped and raised in the ponds until they were large enough to harvest.

​How Fishponds Worked

• Tiny plants that float in the water and perform photosynthesis.

• Both are crucial for the fishpond food web.

​Phytoplankton

• Small animals that feed on phytoplankton.

​​Zooplankton

• Phytoplankton use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy and oxygen.

• This process supports the entire pond ecosystem by providing food and oxygen.

• Phytoplankton use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy and oxygen.

• This process supports the entire pond ecosystem by providing food and oxygen.

Photosynthesis

• Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for plant growth.

• Dissolved oxygen is crucial for fish survival and is produced by phytoplankton during photosynthesis.

Nutrients & Dissolved Oxygen

• Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for plant growth.

• Dissolved oxygen is crucial for fish survival and is produced by phytoplankton during photosynthesis.

Nutrients & Dissolved Oxygen

• The decomposition of organic matter releases nutrients back into the water.

• This process helps maintain the nutrient cycle within the pond.

​Decomposition

• Stagnation occurs when water movement is minimal.

• It can lead to low oxygen levels and poor water quality, harming fish and plants.

​Stagnation

• Salinity refers to the amount of salt in the water.

• Different fish species require different salinity levels to thrive.

​Salinity

• Good water circulation helps distribute nutrients and oxygen throughout the pond.

• It prevents stagnation and supports a healthy ecosystem.

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Water Circulation

 

• pH indicates how acidic or basic the water is.

• Most fishponds need a balanced pH to support fish and plant life.

​pH Levels

• Turbidity measures how clear or cloudy the water is.

• High turbidity can block sunlight, reducing photosynthesis and affecting the food web.

​Turbidity

Other factors affecting fishpond productivity...

• Silt: Fine particles of soil that enter the pond from rivers or runoff.

• Siltation: The accumulation of silt, which can reduce water quality and affect fish health.

Silt & Siltation

• Water temperature affects fish metabolism and overall pond health.

• Extreme temperatures can stress fish and reduce productivity.

​Water Temperature

• Fishponds were a vital part of ancient Hawaiian life, showcasing advanced aquaculture techniques.

• Understanding and preserving these systems is important for cultural and environmental reasons.

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Why Restoration?