ʻAʻaliʻi Kelling, a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) graduate assistant at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), was awarded “Best Graduate Student Poster” at the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference (HCC) in July.
Kelling’s poster explored how imu (traditional Hawaiian rock pit) structures enhance fish populations within the Hāʻena Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area on Kauaʻi and demonstrates a strong alignment between Indigenous knowledge and contemporary science. His work highlights the complementary contributions of these knowledge systems to understanding and managing marine ecosystems.
“I look forward to the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference each year as a source of inspiration, with presentations and panel discussions showcasing diverse perspectives on conservation,” said Kelling. “I was honored to present some of the research and projects being conducted in Hāʻena, Kauaʻi. Receiving this award not only recognized the many hands behind the project, but also reaffirmed my small role in the multigenerational work to create and hold space for Indigenous Knowledge. I stand on the shoulders of giants and am grateful to all who contributed to this project.”
The conference theme ʻAuamo Kuleana – Amplifying Strength Through Balance refers to the ʻauamo, a pole used for balancing and distributing the weight of a heavy load, and symbolizes our kuleana (responsibility) to the environment as both a collective privilege and an individual responsibility.
“We are seeing a global trend towards weaving conventional science with Indigenous Knowledge in pursuit of a better future for our planet,” said NERR Director and HIMB Assistant Professor Kawika Winter. “The University of Hawaiʻi is certainly a leader in this regard. It is great to see work like this being celebrated in professional gatherings like the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference.”
HCC draws together scientists, policymakers, conservationists, educators, students and community members from Hawaiʻi and the Pacific with the shared goal of establishing and retaining healthy natural resources.
