ʻIhikūholu: Hawaiian Name Granted to Majestic Sea Pen

Back in July of 2022, we were flying our ROVs at nearly 3,000 meters along a never-before-surveyed seamount north of Johnston Atoll when we came across a 2-meter-tall stalk rising up to a large pinnate tentacled polyp — a truly enormous sea pen. This sighting was made even more exciting when identified as Solumbellula monocephalus, making it the first time this animal had ever been seen in the Pacific Ocean. Within an hour, we had spotted even more of these animals! 

As with many OET discoveries, the moment seen live is only the beginning of the knowledge-creation process. Sea pen and cnidarian experts are still analyzing whether this is a massive range expansion for Solumbellula previously only known to live in the North and South Atlantic and Indian Ocean, or if this is a new species altogether. We’re proud to share an exciting new update from more experts in the story of this moment — the naming of this magnificent animal witnessed in the deep. 

In this video, Hau’oli Lorenzo Elarco, Kumu ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, and Hōkūokahalelani Pihana, Native Hawaiian Specialist at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center talk with OET's Megan Cook about this magnificent animal and the process of granting it the Hawaiian name ʻIhikūholu. Developed in collaboration by the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group’s Nomenclature Sub-Committee and other members representing various organizations including NOAA, and OET, the name is given to honor the first recorded instance of this species to ever be found in Moananuiākea (the Pacific Ocean). 

The Nomenclature Sub-Committee (also referred to as the Nomenclature Hui) follows a multi-disciplinary and multi-sensory naming process that includes building and maintaining pilina (relationship) to species, to researchers, and to place; examination of traditional knowledge within primary textual resources and oral repositories; and incorporation of new scientific knowledge and technological advances. This collaboration of knowledge adds to our collective understanding and relationship, especially when connecting to these species through the Kānaka (Native Hawaiian) sensibilities of sight, touch, smell, taste, hearing, and naʻau (feeling).