About the Johansen Fish Resilience Lab

Coral reefs have a wide variety of fish species that serve important roles. Some eat algae that can harm corals, while others are crucial for sustaining fishing activities. However, many fish species are highly sensitive to stress and will decline or even disappear if conditions become too challenging for them. To keep fish populations and coral reef ecosystems healthy, we need to identify which species will be affected the most by increasing environmental disturbances. We also need to understand the specific environmental conditions and habitats that support these species in the long run.

The Johansen Fish Resilience Lab led by principal investigator Jacob Johansen, is. stationed at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology. Our research focuses on two main goals: first, we want to find out what happens to coral reef fish when they experience more and more environmental stress, like from climate change and pollution. Second, we aim to determine the exact conditions that reef fish need or can tolerate while still performing their crucial roles that benefit humans. The work done within the lab was made to preserve, restore, and sustain coral reef ecosystems despite growing environmental conditions.

In the Johansen Fish Resilience Lab, we have a strong background in studying how fish adapt to their environment and behave. We combine field studies with advanced laboratory techniques to understand how disturbances affect the health and resilience of fish species. Based on our findings, we provide practical solutions, such as setting targets for water quality, to policymakers, communities, and industries.

Meet Our Internship ʻAʻaliʻi Kelling

ʻAʻaliʻi Kelling was born and raised within the ahupuaʻa of Heʻeia, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu. He is an alumnus of Ke Kula o Samuel Manaiakalani Kamakau LPCS since 2018. After High school, ʻAʻaliʻi attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and completed the necessary requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science with a Marine Option Program Certificate. Currently, he is MSc. student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa pursuing a degree in Marine Biology.

His current research project is focused on habitat augmentation as it relates to how Native Hawaiians modified landscapes to alter fish behavior, specifically on fish responses to imu or ahu (fish houses) that are simulated as artificial reef systems along the coastline. The reintroduction of imu into near-shore environments will create safer habitats for fish species and contribute to an increase in abundance. This augmentation can be used not only as a sustainable effort to increase population size but potentially return native species that once thrived within these waters.

MEET OUR INTERNSHIP JON ROSEN

Jon Rosen was born and raised in Kāneʻohe, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu. He is an alumni of Moanalua High School 2013, and UH Mānoa 2018 where he got his bachelors in Biological Science. After undergrad he spent several years working for conservation groups including Kupu, Loko ea, Pono Pacific, Kure Atoll, Peace Corps Philippines, Waikalua Loko, and Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response. Currently, he is studying for his masters degree in Marine Biology back at UH Mānoa with the Johansen Fish Resilience Lab.

His current research is comparing the metabolic tolerance of native and invasive mullet. Studying metabolism through respirometry (oxygen consumption) under current marine heat wave conditions can tell us a lot about the potential tolerance of a fish species in projected sea surface temperatures with climate change. Fish require more energy to maintain their basic metabolic functions with rising temperatures, if their temperature tolerance is surpassed, fish may have trouble reproducing, foraging, and growing. This data is meant to serve the loko iʻa communities who are attempting to restore traditional ʻamaʻama aquaculture in the face of climate change.

Internship duties and responsibilities:

This internship will guide students to think critically about the behavioral ecology of reef fish. Students will explore a broad range of field techniques for studying the behaviors of fishes such as determining the alert and flight distance of different marine species while also their recording home ranges.

Students will:

• Snorkel and record field observations
• Learn how to search and read scientific journal articles
• Learn simple statistics and data representation

Interns should be comfortable with and able to:

• Swim and snorkel within 3-4 feet of water ○
  • Pass the HIMB swim test
    • Swim 75 m with fins and snorkel equipment
    • Tread water for 3 min
    • Float on back for 1 min
• Work both outdoors and in a classroom setting
• Think critically about data methods and how the results contribute to the broader understanding of fish ecology
• Follow all safety procedures for both the outdoor and indoor laboratory setting. Safety training will be required to participate in this internship.

2024 Internship Schedule (Tentative):