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Do we really need superheroes to save our oceans?

That was my thought as I watched Jason Momoa’s larger-than-life performance in “Aquaman.” Not only did this record-breaking blockbuster draw attention to the plight of the world’s oceans, its charming and charismatic star drew attention to the values and traditions that have shaped and guided Pacific islanders and cultures for centuries.

I also couldn’t help but empathize a bit with his half-brother, King Orm, who is fed up with the pollution and destruction that surface dwellers wreak on his ocean kingdom. After all, I have worked for the past 20 years to combat the harm we inflict on the oceans. I know all too well that the reefs supporting Hawaii’s culture, economy and lifestyle are under constant siege because of our actions, from polluted runoff and overharvesting to rising sea levels and ocean warming. Many of you recognize this as well.

A 2015 survey showed 90% of Hawaii residents view reefs as important to Hawaiian culture, and more than 60% perceive the level of threat to coral reefs as large or extreme, anticipating that fish and coral reefs will decline over the next 10 years.

Of course, we can help our oceans heal if we choose to modify our actions in ways that allow sea life to recover and thrive, and I am comforted to know the same survey shows the majority of Island residents support a well-managed marine environment with a range of policies and regulations.

So how can we make this happen?

Communities across the state are already working to protect and restore ocean resources. These everyday superheroes work to reduce local pressures on the ocean and improve management of the reefs and fisheries that nourish their communities. The United Nations just awarded two of these communities — Hui Makaainana o Makana and Hui Malama o Moomomi — with the prestigious Equator Prize in recognition of their endeavors. These efforts, rooted in culture, community and science, reflect the values and traditions of their ancestors — the very same values and traditions that guided resource management and sustainable use for centuries — and that can help guide us toward a more sustainable future.

The state’s ambitious commitment to effectively manage 30% of nearshore waters by 2030 offers a platform for unifying and building upon this work. Led by the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), the “30×30” initiative focuses on strengthening place-based management, statewide fisheries rules, enforcement, outreach and monitoring. DAR convened a steering committee of local experts to help develop a path forward and will share their roadmap to 30×30 with the broader community for input and guidance this summer.

These efforts will only be effective with the support of all of us. Be a patron of the sea — provide DAR with your feedback to help shape 30×30 and the legacy we leave behind.

On this World Oceans Day, to be observed Saturday, I am grateful to Aquaman for drawing attention to the plight of the world’s oceans — and to actor and activist Jason Momoa for the passion he exhibits for his home, his culture and the health of the ocean so integral to both. Hawaii is lucky to have him as a role model and ambassador. And who knows, if we all work together, we may not need superheroes to save our oceans.

Kim Hum is the director of marine conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Hawaii.