Several species of riparian plants including the non-native red mangrove ( Rhizophora mangle) and hau bush ( Hibiscus tiliaceus) proliferated along lower stream channels and estuary banks, disrupting energy flow in affected systems (a key fish habitat process). These invasive plants excessively shade estuarine shorelines, add large amounts of decomposing leaf litter that reduces water quality, create physical barriers to fish and invertebrate migration, and displace native fish and bird species. A pilot project in Wai ‘Opae, Hawai’i evaluated if red mangrove could be controlled and ultimately eradicated 20 acres of this plant. A cooperative Partnership project was initiated in 2015 to remove a large stand of invasive riparian trees [...]
