Torching in Kahala – January 19, 2012

One of my all-time favorite nocturnal ocean activities is torching…

If you can’t tell from the first photo in Kahala (courtesy of W. Roldan), torching consists of wading in shallow waters on coastal reefs at night (usually during low tide) to harvest all types of marine-life. During the day, this is commonly called, “reef walking,” though it is more common by locals to refer to this as “torching” at night. The captures are usually for consumption purposes, but sometimes can be used as bait for fishing (e.g. Octopus or “Tako,” above). Methods of capture usually consist of a 3-prong spear and/or handnet(s), depending on the type of prey that is sought after and whether or not it needs to be kept alive.

Here, my friend Kaipo, has a unique propane lantern set-up to illuminate a wide a area in front of him while out on the reef. It’s constructed out of a small external-framed backpack and modified to mount the propane canister/lantern above his head. Hands-free lighting is a MUST while torching, but the simpler solution (if not in the mood to construct the above apparatus) is to purchase a high-intensity headlamp. Suggested intensities would be greater than 80 lumens… though personally, I prefer a 150 lumen headlamp with adjustable focus/intensity. I’ll detail more about this later.

Tonight, we were not going to keep anything (all marine life were released after photographed), and were actually doing a reconnaissance survey for juvenile recruitment to the shallow reef flats off of Kahala. Kaipo is a PhD candidate at UH Manoa, studying traditional and modern knowledge of coral reef ecology, while my MS background and occupation is in aquatic and fish ecology. Above a juvenile Threadfin Butterflyfish or Kikakapu (left) and Moorish Idol or Kihikihi (right).

Juvenile Orange-spine Surgeonfish or Umaumalei (left) and adult Stripey or Kikakapu (right).

Juvenile Needlefish or Aha (left) and Trumpetfish or Nunu (right).

Greenhead Moray or Puhi (left) and White Eel / Mustache Conger or Puhi Uha (right). Not sure at what size these guys are mature, but these were both ~ 2.5 feet and can get much larger.

Here are some cool invertebrates we spotted (left). Most of these mollusks are too big to fit into their shell, and the spotted black one on the end does not have a shell… a “Spanish Dancer” I think… haven’t seen that species before (left). A small “night tako” or Hee, creeping along the reef (right).

A Slipper Lobster or Ula Papapa (left) and Cauliflower Coral or Pocillopora sp. (right).

Torching or reef-walking at night can be extremely fun, though there are several precautions that should be exercised. This may be common knowledge for some of you, but I’ll list them for others who haven’t gone before:

– Do not go alone and make sure you can swim
– Do not wade in water > your knees. You probably won’t be able to see well in deeper water anyway
– Mind tides and swells. At most locations, you’ll want to go on a dropping tide and during calm surf.
– High winds will also strongly affect your visibility, try to go when skies are clear and in low wind.
– Do not go 8-10 days after the full-moon on most shorelines… box jellyfish may be plentiful
– Have a good source of light, whether it be a head lamp, dive-light or lantern. I recommend getting a water resistant one, if not waterproof. Have spare batteries/fuel and a backup light, just in case.
– Only take what you need, within reason of the regulated size and bag limits for marine life… you can verify them the DLNR DAR website
– Respect restrictions on gear and methods of capture

These are just off the top of my head, and will add more if I can think of anymore later. Until then, have fun and stay safe out there! If you have any questions, just ask!!!

To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery. Thanks for visiting and come back again soon!