Ocean Watch

Monday, September 14, 1998

Ocean education
abounds in
sanctuary’s
first year

A few years ago, Congress added a portion of Hawaii's coastal waters to the country's national marine sanctuary system. The designation, pending state approval, was to be one of 12 countrywide, each chosen to preserve a marine treasure. In Hawaii's case, the treasure is the humpback whale, an endangered species that migrates from Alaska to Hawaii each winter.

Only those who live here can imagine how vehemently some people opposed this. At public hearings, fishermen, tour boat operators and other ocean users asked heatedly, over and over: What's the point of a sanctuary when these whales are already protected? Why let the federal government meddle in state waters? Who will enforce regulations? And on and on.

Steadfastly, sanctuary managers answered question after question with the same words: Education, education, education. If the sanctuary flies, they promised, federal money will be used to teach Hawaii's residents, visitors and children how to take care of these precious waters themselves.

OK, so now it's been over a year since Gov. Cayetano agreed to host the whale sanctuary for a trial period of five years. Are sanctuary managers living up to their promise?

Absolutely, if my desk is any indication. I have a stack of stuff here that could keep me busy writing about marine things for weeks.

On top are two laminated cards. One shows pictures of Hawaii's corals and explains how to treat them; the other describes the humpback whale and details federal regulations about approaching them.

Beneath them are coloring books, posters, fact sheets, a list of Web sites, articles about the ocean and attractive information cards about Hawaii's dolphins, turtles, monk seals and whales.

Among this colorful, impressive pile of papers is a handout that warms my heart. It's called "Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science." This brochure alone will answer a ton of my e-mail, not to mention the questions of my sister, niece and several friends.

Since 1998 is the Year of the Ocean, my packet of educational materials from the humpback whale sanctuary folks contains some extra goodies.

One is called "Educator's Guide to the Year of the Ocean," containing a checklist of dozens of publications teachers can order. Just this could keep classes busy for the entire year.

To get a teacher packet like the one I've been describing, call the sanctuary office on Oahu at 541-3184, or Maui at 1-800-831-4888.

Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a campaign promise Hawaii desperately needs fulfilled. The health of our ocean depends on education.

In other marine education news:

The second annual Hawaii Fishermen's Festival will occur on Oct. 3-4 at Alii Beach Park in Haleiwa from 8:30 a.m. to sunset.

The festival's purpose is to bring people together to share ideas, find common ground and begin planning for a sustainable future for Hawaii's fisheries.

Join in the activities of this admirable education effort, sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant, anglers and local businesses.

The Waikiki Aquarium is gearing up for its fall activities and classes including night reef walks, sleep-overs, shoreline walks and more. Call 923-9741 for information.

While you're on the phone, you could also volunteer to teach at the Edge of the Reef exhibit, or to work with the education department in giving presentations and tours. Information is at the same number.