Off the southeastern coast of Moloka’i stands Mokuho’oniki, the remains of an ancient cinder cone. Above water, this rugged rock is a seabird sanctuary that was once used for target practice by the military, just like Molokini. Unlike Molokini, few boats cross the Pailolo channel to reach it. That makes this site all the more special for those who do manage to come here. These pristine coral reefs host so many fish that divers lucky enough to visit call it “Fish Rain”. Additionally, Mokuho’oniki is known for schooling hammerhead sharks. On this day, however, diving with hammerheads was not our primary mission.
Our Moloka’i divers had previously sighted a net at 60 feet deep during a reconnaissance dive. It was smothering the coral, and in a spot where the currents are often intense. The divers had not been equipped to remove it, so we planned a return with an A-Team of professional divers and partners. This kind of molokai diving requires careful planning, local knowledge, and a team prepared for changing ocean conditions. Our group knew the hammerhead dive site , as well as the challenging work to be done.
Susan Frett and Bri Simon represented the Pacific Whale Foundation, who funds most of our reef clean ups. They are also a part of the Marine Debris Rapid Response Program. If someone on Maui finds a derelict net and wants help removing it from the beach or ocean, they call 833-4-DA-NETS, and Susan and Bri’s phone rings.
Luckily, the conditions were good, and the current was reasonable. Our top-notch group of divers worked together to cut the net free from the coral and float it to the surface for retrieval by
Captain Mikal and First Mate JJ. Our lead guide, Logan, even managed a group photo, including the net!
As the divers continued to the planned pick-up spot, a hammerhead shark appeared out of the blue. The job was already complete, the camera had been tucked away, but this very special award left everyone grinning from ear to ear. All the same, they knew what the real prize was. Everyone involved was full of gratitude that together they had the skills and training to caretake this reef.
With everyone back aboard, a curious red-footed booby flew around our boat, and then back to the cliffs it calls home. Thank you, Mokuho’oniki.
