It's been six years since the state established the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area in West Maui. Marine experts say it’s a program that’s working, and some fish species are on the rebound. Eileen Chao has more from The Maui News.
Herbivores like parrotfish, rudderfish, surgeonfish and urchin are critical for the health of coral reefs, as they keep algae levels in check. Without them, algal blooms, especially in the summertime, can suffocate entire colonies of coral reef.