About Us
Turning Hawaii’s most persistent environmental problem into a sustainable solution
Our Story
Kona Coast Nutrients started with a simple observation: what if Hawaii’s most persistent environmental problem could become part of the solution?
For decades, the roi—peacock grouper—has been eating its way through our native fish populations. Introduced in the 1950s as a potential food source, these voracious predators multiplied beyond anyone’s expectations. Today, they’re one of the biggest threats to the reef ecosystems that define Hawaii’s marine environment.
We spent years watching this problem grow. As divers and ocean lovers, we saw fewer and fewer native fish on our reefs. As farmers and gardeners, we were frustrated by the lack of truly local, sustainable fertilizer options. Everything had to be shipped in, which never made sense on an island with such abundant natural resources.
The connection seemed obvious once we saw it: remove the invasive fish that are harming our reefs, and use them to feed our soil. Turn a problem into a resource.
"Every bottle of fertilizer represents about 6 roi that are no longer eating baby native fish."
How We Work
Through our partnership with Top Shot Spearfishing, we conduct daily spearfishing tours along the Kona Coastline to harvest Roi. As community involvement continues to grow, we’re removing increasing numbers of Roi from our reefs each day. Every fish is harvested through spearfishing—the most selective method available—which protects native species from bycatch. This isn’t commercial fishing; it’s the targeted removal of an invasive predator.
The fish are processed quickly and carefully into fish emulsion, a time-tested organic fertilizer based on Korean natural farming methods. Nothing is wasted. The nutrients that these invasive fish took from our reefs go back into Hawaiian soil, growing food for our community.
85%
of Hawaii’s food is imported
1950s
When roi were first introduced
6 roi
per bottle removed from reefs
Why It Matters
Hawaii imports about 85% of its food. We’re more vulnerable to supply chain disruptions than almost anywhere else in the country. Building local food security isn’t just an environmental goal—it’s essential for our community’s resilience.
At the same time, our reefs are under pressure from every direction: ocean warming events, coastal development, pollution, and invasive species. We can’t solve all those problems, but we can address one of them while creating something valuable in the process.
Every bottle of fertilizer represents about 6 roi that are no longer eating baby native fish. Every garden grown with our product is one less shipment of synthetic fertilizer arriving at the harbor.
Looking Ahead
We’re still a young company, but the response from both the conservation and farming communities has shown us we’re onto something meaningful. Local farmers tell us their crops have never been healthier. Marine biologists tell us that even small-scale roi removal makes a measurable difference in native fish recruitment.
We’re exploring partnerships with reef monitoring organizations to document the impact of roi removal in specific areas. We’re working with the University of Hawaii to study the long-term effects on reef recovery. And we’re talking with other communities facing similar invasive species challenges about how this model might work elsewhere.
This isn’t just a business for us. It’s a commitment to the place we call home and a belief that solutions don’t have to come from somewhere else—they can grow right here, from understanding our islands’ challenges and opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re a gardener looking for sustainable fertilizer, a spearfisher concerned about reef health, or someone who believes Hawaii can build a more self-reliant future, we’d love to have you as part of this effort.
Every purchase supports reef recovery and local food production. Every conversation helps spread the word about turning environmental challenges into solutions.
Mahalo for your interest in our work.