Innovations In Ancient Aquaculture Could Bring Striped Mullet Back To The Dinner Table 0 Recent developments in growing striped mullet could help conserve Hawaii’s oceans, establish food security and perpetuate Hawaiian culture — but can they overcome new challenges?
Fishermen used to sit on shorelines and catch striped mullet, then steam them for dinner. But these days, most keiki don’t know what steamed striped mullet tastes like, or even what a school of mullet looks like.
For the past two decades, the striped mullet population in Hawaii has been declining, which has disrupted culture and traditions as well as the natural balance of the marine ecosystem.
Two new projects aim to restore mullet populations. Kamehameha Schools Kumuola Marine Science Education Center in Hilo and a Hawaii Sea Grant partnership with Waikalua Loko in Kaneohe are building on decades of aquaculture and fishpond work, but their success depends on how they deal with today’s environmental and societal challenges, from climate change to funding.
