Research Log #3 - Solutionary Project 2020 

 
Date:   2/16/20
Name: Breyson Chang
Essential Question:   How is invasive seaweed harmful to Hawaii’s aquatic environment?
 
Three Points to Prove: #1: Communities can combat the problem
                                        #2: Invasive algae can be repurposed
                                        #3: The removal of the invasive algae helps the environment
 
Point that this Source Proves:   # 2
 
 
Excerpts (These should provide insight into the Point to Prove): 

Invasive can be repurposed once it has been removed.

Malama Maunalua takes the invasive algae and donates it to Otsuji Farms to be used as fertilizer.

Invasive algae may damage the coral but can also benefit the environment by fertilizing soil.
 
 
 
Analysis (How does this source support the Point to Prove?): 

Malama Maunalua is an organization that focuses on the restoration of Maunalua bay. One of
their main focuses is combating invasive seaweed that is overtaking the coral. It is their mission to
remove the invasive seaweed in their grand plan to return the bay back to its former glory. They have
removed over 3.5 million pounds of invasive seaweed. But you may ask yourself what they did with the
invasive substance. Well they found a way to reuse the invasive algae.
Once Malama Maunalua removes the invasive seaweed from the ocean and bags it up. Then they
must properly dispose of the invasive seaweed so that it doesn’t find its way back into the ocean where it
can start to grow again and infect a new area with its fast-growing traits. In order to properly dispose of
the invasive seaweed, then dispose all of the invasive seaweed at Otsuji Farms. Where they use it as
fertilizer for all of the crops.
Invasive algae might not be good for the aquatic ecosystem of Hawaii, but it has been found to be
a great fertilizer for crops. The seaweed supplies the soil with rich nutrients, which aids in the production
of healthy and delicious crops. This is a double positive for the environment. They remove the invasive
seaweed which helps the coral reef as well as letting the native species to flourish in the area. Then they
reuse the seaweed to further benefit the environment by using it as a fertilizer.
 
 
Work Cited (correct MLA format): 

“Habitat Restoration Program.” Malama Maunalua, www.malamamaunalua.org/habitat-

restoration/.

 
This is a reputable and reliable article because this website focuses on removing invasive algae from
Hawaii’s beaches and the information is what they do with the invasive algae.
Breyson Chang
Mrs. Nourrie
English 11 Sec E
2/19/20
Research Journal

For this week, I feel like I got a lot done. I was able to get my third research log while

being able to use another source. I currently used a Ted talk, website and an article. Me and my

partner Andrew Onato also made a lot of ground regarding the interviews that we need to do. We

sent out emails to the professor of botany at the University of Hawaii Manoa. We also contacted

sea life park and the Waikiki aquarium to hopefully get an interview from them as well. We are

probably going to get an interview from the Waikiki aquarium because they are more involved

with the issue of invasive seaweed in Hawaii waters. But I really hope that sea life park responds

because I really want to go to sea life park.

We are hoping that we get responses within the next week because time is running out

and it is better to get the interviews over with. We have the questions ready and are ready to meet

them for an interview. We don’t know what we will do if they don’t respond to us soon.

We also are really looking into community service options as we approach the due date.

We are thinking of doing sanctioned invasive seaweed removal events with a real organization

that focusses on removing invasive seaweed. We also want to further our community service by

going on our own to further benefit the environment. We are going to go on our own time to

collect invasive seaweed and put in in a bag. Then we are going to go home and put the invasive

seaweed into our gardens to fertilize our plants. Since the invasive seaweed makes for a good

fertilizer, we are for sure going to take advantage of the opportunity and fertilize our plants and

help them to grow more.