10 Years of Ocean Protection: Calendar Events Oct-Dec 2010

Images that Inspire Conservation: Bringing the Place to the People
Date: October 13th
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. presentation begins at 7 p.m.
Location: Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

Annual research cruises to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument underscore the importance of the protected status brought to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ten years ago as a global treasure trove of biodiversity. Research and cultural cruises and other missions have been well documented on film and in video by some of the biggest names in underwater and marine photography. Monument Chief Scientist Dr. Randy Kosaki details the history of photography in the NWHI and honors many of the photographic luminaries who've worked there. Then underwater photographer Wayne Levin, who joined a research cruise in 2009 and created an outstanding exhibit of photographs depicting the varied, unusual and abundant life of the region, both maritime and terrestrial, will show and talk about his work; particularly the stunning black and white images he has produced. For the past four months, an exhibit of his work sponsored by The Contemporary Museum has been on display at the First Hawaiian Center in downtown Honolulu. “The Power of Photography in Bringing the Place to the People” event celebrates 10 years of ocean protection in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve.

Hanauma Bay Thursday Night Lecture Series
Date: Oct. 14th, 21st, 28th
Time: All presentations begin at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Hanauma Bay Theatre, 100 Hanauma Bay Road, Honolulu

A month long series of presentations from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument staff and leadership in partnership with the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, will highlight the latest research findings from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and trace the protection history and recognition of this pristine region, from its early days, to the designation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve in 2000, to the designation of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2006 and World Heritage site designation in 2010.

Species Galore
Thursday October 14, 2010
Monument Deputy Superintendent and Chief Scientist Dr. Randy Kosaki reveals the latest research findings from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. While research efforts have been underway for 110 years, during a 2010 research cruise, scientists discovered 10 new species and confirmed that the rate of marine species endemism in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is greater than anywhere else on earth. Dr. Kosaki will talk about research findings and developments over the past decade since the creation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve.

A History of Protection and Recognition
Thursday October 21, 2010
With the stroke of a pen on December 4, 2000, President Bill Clinton created the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve. This action was arguably the boldest and most pivotal action ever taken to protect the ocean within U.S. jurisdiction and ushered in a decade of further protections and global recognition for the vast, pristine marine ecosystems of the NW Hawaiian Islands. This continued in 2006 when President George W. Bush created the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the largest conservation area in the U.S. Then In August 2010, Papahānaumokuākea was designated as the first mixed World Heritage site in the U.S. in recognition of its universal and outstanding cultural and natural features. Monument Superintendent 'Aulani Wilhelm explains how that one action 10 years ago changed the face of ocean protection forever.

Shipwrecks and More
Thursday October 28, 2010
The waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument provide a glance into the past, as researchers continue to discover and conserve artifacts from shipwrecks in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Researching the maritime heritage of the region is an activity that gathered steam since the designation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve in 2000. Dr. Kelly Gleason is the Monument's Maritime Archaeologist and has led teams who've discovered shipwreck sites and continue to tell the stories of the early days of shipping and navigation through the region.

Monk Seal Saturday
Date: November 6, 2010
Time: 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Location: Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

To bring attention to the plight of Hawaiian Monk Seals and to raise awareness of and appreciation for Papahānaumokuākea and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (NWHICRER) which it includes, the Waikiki Aquarium hosts Monk Seal Saturday on Nov. 6, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The first 200 keiki through the gate will receive a limited-edition plush stuffed monk seal after they participate in the “name the seal contest.” The winning entrant will receive a prize package including an annual family pass to the Waikiki Aquarium and books and art work from famed Hawaiian monk seal artist Patrick Ching. Additionally staff from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument will have a monk seal button-making activity, monk seal hats and tattoos available. Parents will be provided with information on Papahānaumokuākea and on the 10th anniversary of the NWHICRER. Families can also observe one of the twice daily feedings of the aquarium’s two resident Hawaiian Monk Seals. With the majority of the remaining population of fewer than1100 critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals living in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the seals and the Monument have become symbols for the need for strong, lasting conservation and protection of this animal and the special place in which they live.
(Normal Admission fees apply) Learn more...

Creatures of the Abyss
Date: November 14, 2010
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument joins with the Hawai’i Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) at Bishop Museum’s Family Sunday, featuring the traveling exhibit, Creatures of the Abyss. HURL was the first partner to conduct scientific research in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve after it was established in 2000. Submersible dives into the extreme depths surrounding the remote islands have led to dozens of discoveries of new and yet to be identified species. Similarly, divers have been using deep diving technology to find and identify new marine species in the zone between shallow waters and the abysmal depths covered by HURL submersibles. Representatives from both Papahānaumokuākea and HURL will be on hand at the Creatures of the Abyss exhibit to talk about deep diving discoveries and to show visitors some of the amazing creatures they’ve found.