Maui researchers creating “bioshield” to mitigate impact of future tsunamis

To mark Tsunami Awareness Month and Earth Month, Dr. Scott Fisher, Director of Aina Stewardship at the Hawaii Land Trust, joined HNN’s Sunrise Weekends to talk about the Hawaii Land Trust’s efforts to fight erosion and prevent the devastating impacts of tsunamis.

[...]

Researchers are studying ecological and geographical features of the area, including boulders and soil, and the impact of two major tsunamis on Nu’u.

To make coastlines more resilient to future tsunami events, Hawaii Land Trust is creating a forested bioshield by planting about 15 distinct species of indigenous, endemic and Polynesian introduced trees and shrubs. These arranged in a specific pattern based on the arboreal characteristics of the particular tree or shrub, and their ability to suspend sediment, can slow the velocity of a future tsunami wave.

[...]