On April 25, our class chartered a boat on the Kona side of the island of Hawaii. Within just a few minutes after leaving the dock, we encountered Hawaiian spinner dolphins in a local bayContinue reading
Toxoplasmosis: Choosing between companion and charismatic species
The world loves cats. They’re a cute and cuddly companion species that we have been breeding for thousands of years.The world also loves charismatic megafauna, large animal species with widespread public appeal due to their magnificence,Continue reading
Utilizing More Than Beach Clean-ups to Combat Hawaii’s Trash Problem
“A lot of rubbish doesn’t end up where we intend it to,” says Katie Dobkin of Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii to our Marine Conservation Biology course on Waimanalo Beach in Oahu. She is standing in front ofContinue reading
A Decrease in Catch = an Increase in Profit
Is it economically beneficial for fishermen to listen to scientists? “If you’re getting less than $2.50-3.00 you’re losing money,” says Hawaii Seafood Council Program Manager John Kaneko as he moves us out of the rainContinue reading
Give them a break! Spinner dolphin tours in Hawaii
Access to public resources is something that most Americans would likely agree is an important right. Enjoying and utilizing our natural environments, such as parks, beaches or waterways, is something everyone should be able toContinue reading
Dolphin Dilemmas
I find myself conflicted every time I’m presented with the opportunity to interact with marine mammals. The rational part of my brain says I should respect these intelligent creatures and keep my distance, but anotherContinue reading
Trash-Free Seas? The Four-Rs of Tackling Marine Debris
While the tale of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is known to many, I first saw the impacts of the Patch following a trip to the beaches of Hawaii’s island of Oahu. Upon our arrivalContinue reading
Feral Cats Big Concern for Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal
Hawaiian monk seals are among the most endangered animals in the world. Endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago and with a total population of about 1,400 seals, this species continues to battle for existence against aContinue reading
Hawaiian Felines: Friend or Foe?
Feral cats in Hawaii are viewed as either cute and cuddly creatures or the pathway to native extinctions.
Where are all the locals?
When I descended upon the Hawaiian coastline, racked with misguided preconceptions and ill-planned luggage, it takes very few minutes to gather this question: Where are all the locals? From Hanuama Bay to Diamond Head, theContinue reading