"Super Sucker," a large six-inch diameter pump capable of processing up to 300-400 gallons of seawater per minute was used today in a demonstration to rid Waipuilani Beach Park in Kihei, Maui, of invasive algae.

Volunteers in wetsuits gathered the seaweed using the "Super Sucker," as part of a three-day "Invasive Algae Removal Feasibility Study," a collaborative effort between Maui County, the Hawai'i State Department of Land & Natural Resources, and the University of Hawai'i's Botany Department.

The study is testing the feasibility of using the "Super Sucker" to remove Hypnea musiformis, among other species, without displacing valuable sand and coral rubble.

The plan is to transport collected seaweed to a farm in Kihei for composting.The Maui Nui Botanical Garden will receive the project's final load.

Funding for the study came from a $10,000 Environmental Response grant by the County of Maui to Tri-Isle RC&D.