Photo credit: www.conservation.org

Innovative Approach to Combat Invasive Fish in Hawai‘i

Off the shores of Hawai‘i, a troublesome presence lurks in the waters, consuming native species and disrupting local ecosystems. The problem? The ta’ape fish, known for its striking lemon-yellow coloring and electric-blue stripes, is proliferating in significant numbers. Although it measures only about a foot in length, this small fish has had substantial adverse effects on Hawaii’s marine biodiversity as well as local fisheries.

Addressing this issue, a collaborative initiative between Conservation International-Hawai‘i and the luxury Italian footwear brand P448 aims to repurpose ta’ape by incorporating its leather into stylish shoes. This creative solution not only seeks to mitigate the invasive fish’s impact but also promotes sustainable practices within the fashion industry.

Jhana Young, who leads the project for Conservation International, emphasized the need for innovative strategies in conservation efforts. “Rewiring how we think about invasive species and turning them into leather flips the script and helps protect our reefs and uplift local communities,” she remarked, underscoring the dual benefit of the approach.

Hawai‘i has earned the notorious title of the invasive species capital of the world, hosting over 5,000 non-native species that collectively cost the state tens of millions of dollars annually. These invasive species arrive through various means, including the cargo of visiting ships and airplanes, as well as through the import of goods. While some, like the ta’ape, were intentionally introduced for fisheries enhancement in the 1950s, the fish has since multiplied unchecked within the Hawaiian waters.

Young highlighted that effective solutions, such as fishing, must also be economically viable for local fishermen, encouraging them to target ta’ape populations. This summer, P448 successfully procured 2,000 ta’ape skins from fishermen in Moloka’i—marking the first commercial tanning process of these fish skins. From this initiative, nearly 900 pairs of shoes have been crafted.

The process of turning fish skins into leather is intricate and time-sensitive, especially given the challenging climate of Hawai‘i. Young noted the importance of careful handling during this process to maintain quality and prevent degradation.

Traditionally, leather production is notoriously damaging to the environment due to the extensive use of toxic chemicals and high water consumption. However, the tannery involved in processing the ta’ape, Aquaborne, employs environmentally responsible techniques that avoid heavy metals and drastically reduce water and energy use compared to conventional tanning practices. Young pointed out that fish leather offers a sustainable alternative, being stronger than cow leather when comparing thickness.

This shoe collection is not just a standalone initiative; it builds on broader efforts initiated by Conservation International-Hawai‘i since 2019. Partnering with local nonprofit Chef Hui, the program has aimed to change public perceptions of ta’ape from a nuisance to a culinary opportunity. The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from local chefs, who have contributed to elevating ta’ape as a desirable option in the local dining scene.

The results of this campaign are encouraging: annual ta’ape harvests have surged by 90 percent, with market value rising by 168 percent, reflecting a shift in both community attitudes and economic feasibility for fishermen. Consequently, the amount of ta’ape released back into the ocean has decreased exponentially, indicating an increase in the fish’s perceived value.

With the introduction of the shoe collection, every part of the ta’ape is now utilized effectively. After the skins are harvested, the fish meat is donated to local families, and the remaining parts are repurposed for agricultural and research purposes, promoting a circular economy within the community.

Young concluded by emphasizing the significance of this project as a culmination of years of commitment to addressing the ta’ape challenge. “We can consume them to manage their populations, and now we can wear them, applying the concept of using an invasive species for the betterment of society. This is just the start,” she said.

The ta’ape shoes are now available for purchase here.

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Mary Kate McCoy is a staff writer at Conservation International. Want to read more stories like this? Sign up for email updates. Also, please consider supporting our critical work.

Source
www.conservation.org