On May 20, 2007, Daniel Amato, a Graduate Assistant in Marine Botany at the University of Hawaii conducted an assessment of the island's limu population. Mr. Amato identified the following native and invasive species (listed from most to least abundant):

1. Spyridia filamentosa (native)
2. Acanthophora spicifera (invasive)
3. Padina gymmospora (native)
4. Hypnea spinella (native)
5. Enteromorpha flexuosai (native)
6. Gayralia oxysperma (native)
7. Gracilaria salicornia (invasive)
8. Chondria simpliciuscula (native)

It was concluded that two invasive species were of major concern for Mokauea Island's ecosystem. Gracilaria salicornia was especially abundant on the rocky substrate near the dwellings and at the entrance to the fishpond. This highly invasive limu was also found within the fishpond among the invasive red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) stands.

On June 16, 2007, the removal of this invasive limu from the fishpond entrance and near the dwelling was performed by Kai Makana volunteers. The volunteers removed the invasive limu and placed it into mesh bags. The limu was then dumped into a pile and was manually sorted by other volunteers to remove invertebrates and fish. Approximately 500 pounds of the invasive limu were removed in this one day of work, with the help of a Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) boat.

Limu restoration feasibility studies are planned for Mokauea Island. In addition, removal of the invasive Gracilaria salicornia will be an ongoing project and serve as an education tool for students visiting Mokauea Island.