In the 1974 several algae species were introduced to Kāne`ohe Bay as part of study to promote a carrageenan industry. Over the next 25 years coral reef habitats in the bay became increasingly dominated by invasive algae. In 2002 an advisory group consisting of the State of Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), The Nature Conservancy and the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) proposed a two-step solution for invasive algae eradication: mechanical removal and urchin biocontrol.
Seaweed was mechanically removed by means of a diver operated suction pump known as the 'Super Sucker'; an urchin hatchery was developed to provide native collector sea urchins for biocontrol. Native patch reefs throughout Kāne`ohe Bay were surveyed and a set of statistical analyses were developed to rank, rate, and prioritize the reefs based on invasive algae cover.
In 2018 all priority target patch reefs determined to be over 90% free from invasive algae. Due to the lower invasive algae levels on the patch reefs, the Super Sucker is not currently used. The native corals are recovering and urchins are used to spot treat invasive algae hotspots.