Snorkeling is a safe, easy, and enjoyable way to explore the world beneath the waves and is open to all ages and skill levels, from children to grandparents. Snorkeling is a great activity for the whole family. Snorkeling is certainly the easiest and least expensive way to enjoy Hawaii's underwater paradise. All you need is a mask, snorkel and fins. Many of Hawaii's top dive sites, particularly the shallow sheltered bays are just as rewarding for snorkelers as they are for divers.
There are many boat operators that offer cruises to popular snorkeling locations on each of the islands and some companies that offer kayaking snorkel trips. If you have never snorkeled before, it is a good idea to seek some instruction before you start and seek some advice on where to go snorkeling for the first time. A great place to begin is in a swimming pool, either at home before coming to Hawaii or at the hotel pool once you arrive. This way you will get used the mask and to breathing through your snorkel in a safe, controlled and confined environment.
Showing posts with label Maui. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maui. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
UP COMING FIELD STUDIES
By Leda A. Cunningham, Executive Director
Greetings from REEF HQ! Conservation science is in sharp focus here at REEF, from an expanded Grouper Moon Project to new uses of REEF data in the Channel Islands. REEF is making giant strides in the Florida Keys community with a successful For the Love of the Sea benefit event, upcoming citizen science panel discussions and the recognition of two invaluable volunteers by a prominent community foundation. If you're looking for travel opportunities, consider jumping on one of the 4 spots just released on the Turks and Caicos Field Survey, April 19-26, or joining the Sea of Cortez Field Survey October 5-12. Educators can apply to join these or other REEF Field Survey teams through a special scholarship. Please read on . . .
Greetings from REEF HQ! Conservation science is in sharp focus here at REEF, from an expanded Grouper Moon Project to new uses of REEF data in the Channel Islands. REEF is making giant strides in the Florida Keys community with a successful For the Love of the Sea benefit event, upcoming citizen science panel discussions and the recognition of two invaluable volunteers by a prominent community foundation. If you're looking for travel opportunities, consider jumping on one of the 4 spots just released on the Turks and Caicos Field Survey, April 19-26, or joining the Sea of Cortez Field Survey October 5-12. Educators can apply to join these or other REEF Field Survey teams through a special scholarship. Please read on . . .
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Hawaii's Birds
Hawaii's Birds
`Akialoa
One of the birds whose song is no longer heard in the forests of Kaua`i is the Kaua`i `akialoa. While considered numerous in the 1890s, the population started declining soon thereafter. Despite intensive searches and rumors that the Kaua`i `akialoa may still persist, no confirmed sightings have been made since 1965. Some naturalists retain hope that survivors may still exist in remote tracts of intact native forest.
Threats:
The `akialoa's habit of frequenting forest edges and low elevations may have exposed them to introduced diseases, starting their decline toward extinction.
Hawaiian Hawk ('io)
To ancient Hawaiians, the 'io was a royal figure: strong and aggressive, but also graceful and stately, flying silently high above the earth. The Hawaiian saying "kaha ka 'io i ka malie" translates as "the hawk stands out in the calm skies," and is used to denote admiration for a person who stands out in a crowd because of their appearance or charisma. The palace of the Hawaiian monarchy in Honolulu was named 'Iolani, "Exalted Hawk," which reflects this long-standing symbolism.
Survival:
The 'io has been able to persist because it can thrive in a variety of habitats. It has learned to hunt the rodents that have been introduced into the ecosystem, thus augmenting its ancient diet of forest birds. As a top predator, the presence of 'io in the forests of Kona is also an indication that the system which supports it is still relatively intact. In ecological systems, when the underpinnings are damaged, the top predators are often the first to be affected. In the forests of Kapu'a in South Kona, 'io still build their nests in strong 'ōhi'a trees, calling out their existence for all to hear.
Kaua`i Thrush (Puaiohi)
The puaiohi, or small Kaua`i thrush, is found only on the island of Kaua`i. Listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the puaiohi is considered to be critically vulnerable to global extinction. It is restricted to the high elevation `ōhi`a forest in the Alaka`i Wilderness. Two decades ago, the Hawai`i Forest Bird Survey estimated the population at merely two to three dozen.
Threats:
The following must be controlled if the puaiohi is to survive:
Spread of alien plants into the Alaka`i Wilderness
Proliferation of goats and pigs
Predation by small mammals such as rats
Maui Parrotbill (kikekoa)
The Maui parrotbill is one of Hawaii's rarest birds. Living in the remote mountains of East Maui, it has a rich olive green body with a yellow chest. The head, with a bright yellow band just above the eye, is masked in dark olive. The most distinctive feature of the bird is its strong, hooked parrot-like bill, used for vigorous prying of chunks of koa bark, or snapping straight through strong twigs of understory shrubs in search of its major food: native beetles boring through the wood. The force of the jaws working the bill is enormous relative to the "songbird" size of the Maui parrotbill, and sometimes you can hear the crunching and snapping of the twigs and branches as the bird works its way through the understory.
Threats:
The Maui parrotbill's survival is threatened by:
habitat destruction by pigs
introduced predators, especially rats
avian diseases spread by mosquitoes
Today, while the parrotbill is restricted to the wet forests of East Maui, it seems to be holding its own, benefiting from the healthy regrowth of understory shrubs following a decade of feral pig control in Waikamoi and adjacent watershed lands.
`O`u
`O`u is one of Hawai'i's rarest birds. It once inhabited the islands of Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Maui, and Hawai`i. Today, it can only be found on the islands of Kaua`i and Hawai`i, where it resides in the upper canopy of `ohi`a forests. On Kaua`i, the few remaining individuals live at the 3-5,000 foot elevation in the Alaka`i Wilderness.
Threats:
Survival of the `o`u is threatened by:
Habitat destruction
Introduced predators
Avian diseases, such as malaria
Pueo
The Pueo and the Hawaiian Hawk are the only two extant native birds of prey native to the Hawaiian Islands. The pueo is a subspecies of the North American short-eared owl, and is considered by many scientists to be a relatively recent natural arrival to Hawai'i.it is celebrated as an `aumakua (ancestral spirit) by many Hawaiians.
`Akialoa
One of the birds whose song is no longer heard in the forests of Kaua`i is the Kaua`i `akialoa. While considered numerous in the 1890s, the population started declining soon thereafter. Despite intensive searches and rumors that the Kaua`i `akialoa may still persist, no confirmed sightings have been made since 1965. Some naturalists retain hope that survivors may still exist in remote tracts of intact native forest.
Threats:
The `akialoa's habit of frequenting forest edges and low elevations may have exposed them to introduced diseases, starting their decline toward extinction.
Hawaiian Hawk ('io)
To ancient Hawaiians, the 'io was a royal figure: strong and aggressive, but also graceful and stately, flying silently high above the earth. The Hawaiian saying "kaha ka 'io i ka malie" translates as "the hawk stands out in the calm skies," and is used to denote admiration for a person who stands out in a crowd because of their appearance or charisma. The palace of the Hawaiian monarchy in Honolulu was named 'Iolani, "Exalted Hawk," which reflects this long-standing symbolism.
Survival:
The 'io has been able to persist because it can thrive in a variety of habitats. It has learned to hunt the rodents that have been introduced into the ecosystem, thus augmenting its ancient diet of forest birds. As a top predator, the presence of 'io in the forests of Kona is also an indication that the system which supports it is still relatively intact. In ecological systems, when the underpinnings are damaged, the top predators are often the first to be affected. In the forests of Kapu'a in South Kona, 'io still build their nests in strong 'ōhi'a trees, calling out their existence for all to hear.
Kaua`i Thrush (Puaiohi)
The puaiohi, or small Kaua`i thrush, is found only on the island of Kaua`i. Listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the puaiohi is considered to be critically vulnerable to global extinction. It is restricted to the high elevation `ōhi`a forest in the Alaka`i Wilderness. Two decades ago, the Hawai`i Forest Bird Survey estimated the population at merely two to three dozen.
Threats:
The following must be controlled if the puaiohi is to survive:
Spread of alien plants into the Alaka`i Wilderness
Proliferation of goats and pigs
Predation by small mammals such as rats
Maui Parrotbill (kikekoa)
The Maui parrotbill is one of Hawaii's rarest birds. Living in the remote mountains of East Maui, it has a rich olive green body with a yellow chest. The head, with a bright yellow band just above the eye, is masked in dark olive. The most distinctive feature of the bird is its strong, hooked parrot-like bill, used for vigorous prying of chunks of koa bark, or snapping straight through strong twigs of understory shrubs in search of its major food: native beetles boring through the wood. The force of the jaws working the bill is enormous relative to the "songbird" size of the Maui parrotbill, and sometimes you can hear the crunching and snapping of the twigs and branches as the bird works its way through the understory.
Threats:
The Maui parrotbill's survival is threatened by:
habitat destruction by pigs
introduced predators, especially rats
avian diseases spread by mosquitoes
Today, while the parrotbill is restricted to the wet forests of East Maui, it seems to be holding its own, benefiting from the healthy regrowth of understory shrubs following a decade of feral pig control in Waikamoi and adjacent watershed lands.
`O`u
`O`u is one of Hawai'i's rarest birds. It once inhabited the islands of Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Maui, and Hawai`i. Today, it can only be found on the islands of Kaua`i and Hawai`i, where it resides in the upper canopy of `ohi`a forests. On Kaua`i, the few remaining individuals live at the 3-5,000 foot elevation in the Alaka`i Wilderness.
Threats:
Survival of the `o`u is threatened by:
Habitat destruction
Introduced predators
Avian diseases, such as malaria
Pueo
The Pueo and the Hawaiian Hawk are the only two extant native birds of prey native to the Hawaiian Islands. The pueo is a subspecies of the North American short-eared owl, and is considered by many scientists to be a relatively recent natural arrival to Hawai'i.it is celebrated as an `aumakua (ancestral spirit) by many Hawaiians.
Kauai Z-Tourz
Kauai Z-Tourz is dedicated to providing the best raft and snorkeling tour available on Kauai. Aboard our custom built Rigid-Hull Zodia Raft, guests are treated to a tour that is personalized, educational, interesting and adventurous. Guests are given marine as well as cultural narration and have the opportunity to snorkel with hundreds of species of tropical fish as well as the Green Sea Turtles. We also offer dolphin-watching year round and whale watching December through May.
We are truly a specialized boat tour available on Kauai. We are the only boat tour with the emphasis on snorkeling and marine life watching and interaction. Our personalized attention to guests, guided tour in the water, and commitment to education and protecting the marine environment are components we are very proud to feature. As examples of this, we DO NOT allow or promote fish feeding on our tours and we DO NOT ?throw anchor? in any of our selected sights, since both cause damage to the reef environment and its inhabitants.
As a company we are dedicated to making each tour a custom adventure for the guest and giving them a truly Hawaiian experience using ancient Hawaiian place names and knowledge being passed on from our captain and crew.
All of this will be shared with the spirit of Aloha!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
We are truly a specialized boat tour available on Kauai. We are the only boat tour with the emphasis on snorkeling and marine life watching and interaction. Our personalized attention to guests, guided tour in the water, and commitment to education and protecting the marine environment are components we are very proud to feature. As examples of this, we DO NOT allow or promote fish feeding on our tours and we DO NOT ?throw anchor? in any of our selected sights, since both cause damage to the reef environment and its inhabitants.
As a company we are dedicated to making each tour a custom adventure for the guest and giving them a truly Hawaiian experience using ancient Hawaiian place names and knowledge being passed on from our captain and crew.
All of this will be shared with the spirit of Aloha!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Pipeline - North Shore - Oahu
This is how you might feel your first time out at pipe.
Breaking close to the beach and visible just towards Kaena Point next to Ehukai Beach Park is the "Pipeline" reef. Usually pipeline is the hollowest, biggest barrel on the North Shore. Pipeline is nearly always extremely crowded, and for good reason, no place else breaks like it.
The biggest barrel in the world at times, and one of the absolute best waves on the north shore. For sheer adrenaline, power, beauty and danger, Pipeline has no equal.
Pipeline's famous lefts break best on a west or northwest swell, the north lines tend to make it close out. The is where the really big barrels are.
The right at Pipeline, or Backdoor Pipeline, can deliver a sometimes longer, faster barrel than pipeline itself, although there is no channel back out, like pipeline has.
The drop at Pipeline is almost always late, and critical, with the wave jacking up much bigger by the time you get to the bottom. Wave selection can be key because not every wave is makeable.
When the swell gets over 6-8 feet, pipeline starts breaking from the second and third reef, allowing a easier take-off at times, which gives the rider time to set-up for when it hits the first reef and starts to barrel.
Pipe is not a place for beginners, with a defined pecking order when it gets really good.
Breaking close to the beach and visible just towards Kaena Point next to Ehukai Beach Park is the "Pipeline" reef. Usually pipeline is the hollowest, biggest barrel on the North Shore. Pipeline is nearly always extremely crowded, and for good reason, no place else breaks like it.
The biggest barrel in the world at times, and one of the absolute best waves on the north shore. For sheer adrenaline, power, beauty and danger, Pipeline has no equal.
Pipeline's famous lefts break best on a west or northwest swell, the north lines tend to make it close out. The is where the really big barrels are.
The right at Pipeline, or Backdoor Pipeline, can deliver a sometimes longer, faster barrel than pipeline itself, although there is no channel back out, like pipeline has.
The drop at Pipeline is almost always late, and critical, with the wave jacking up much bigger by the time you get to the bottom. Wave selection can be key because not every wave is makeable.
When the swell gets over 6-8 feet, pipeline starts breaking from the second and third reef, allowing a easier take-off at times, which gives the rider time to set-up for when it hits the first reef and starts to barrel.
Pipe is not a place for beginners, with a defined pecking order when it gets really good.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sightseeing Tips for a First Time Visitor
The great thing about Hawaii is that each island is different from all of the others. Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and thus has the densest rain forests, the deepest canyons and the most stunning sea cliffs. It is nicknamed the Garden Isle and you'll see amazing flowers almost everywhere. Kauai is also home to one of the wettest spots on earth - Mt. Waialeale which brings me to my first recommended activity for a first time visitor.
If you ever take a helicopter ride in Hawaii, do so on Kauai. The majority of the most beautiful places, waterfalls, sea cliffs, and Mountain Waialeale itself can only be seen from the air. I recommend Jack Harter Helicopters but there are many other good choices. Jack Harter offers several different tours, but the best buy for your money is their 90 minute tour designed for serious photographers. It only runs once a day, so reservations ahead of time are a key. Helicopter tours won't fly in questionable weather. It's not safe and customers would not get their money's worth. Reserve your flight for early in your visit so that if it gets cancelled due to weather, you can reschedule.
See Kauai from the Sea
Kauai has some of the most stunning sea cliffs in the world. Don't miss you chance to see them from the water. From November through April you will even have the chance to see Hawaii's winter visitors, the humpback whales. The proprieter that almost always receives positive reviews is Captain Andy's Sailing Adventures. They run both sailing and rafting expeditions along the Na Pali Coast. They also sail from Port Allen Harbor on the south shore which is much more convenient for most visitors than one of thew few remaining operators that leave from Hanalei on the North Shore.
Now that we've covered seeing Kauai from the air and from the sea, there are a couple of things that are "must-sees" by land.
See Kauai from the Land
The first thing that is a must is a trip up to the Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park. You can get a good feel for this trip with our Western Kauai Photo Gallery. If you're staying in the Poipu area, you'll have a relatively short drive to Waimea and the trip up to the Waimea Canyon.
This is, however, another trip that you'll want to make when the weather is clear over that part of the island, since clouds tend to obscure the views of the canyon and the coast. Mark Twain called the Waimea Canyon the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and it is amazing. The colors are actually much better than you'll see at the Grand Canyon. You'll want to drive all the way to the end of the road in Koke'e State Park and at the Pu'u o Kila Lookout over the Kalalau Valley. This is where the Na Pali Trail begins and you can actually walk a bit along the trail. (Just don't go as far as the swamp, but there's really no chance of that!) This trip can be done in half a day. The best views into the Waimea Canyon are in the early afternoon when the sun is shining on the canyon's eastern walls.
A full day trip that you should take is the drive to Kauai's North Shore. There is so much along the way. Heading north on Highway 56 from Lihue you'll pass the Wailua River. (A trip down the Wailua River is a nice half day trip that you can consider on another day. Most first time visitors elect to take Smith's Wailua River Cruise to the Fern Grotto.) When heading to the North Shore, however, you really only have time for a brief stop, so make a left off Highway 56 onto Kuamo'o Road at the old Coco Palms Resort where Blue Hawaii was filmed. A bit up the road you can see Opaekaa Falls and a great overlook of the Wailua River Valley. From here you'll double back to Highway 56 and continue north.
We have a concise summary of a trip to Kauai's North Shore in one of our Hawaii Diaries. You can also get a good feel from two of our other photo galleries, our Eastern Kauai Photo Gallery and our North Shore Kauai Photo Galleries.
Obviously, there's a lot more to Kauai than what I've mentioned here, but these are our picks for a first time visitor. There are two really excellent Kauai Guidebooks. They are the first two listed on our Top Picks page of Kauai Guidebooks. Also, when you arrive at the airport be sure to pick up the free publication called 101 Things to Do on Kauai. It has some great ideas and some useful ads for discount activities and dining.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
If you ever take a helicopter ride in Hawaii, do so on Kauai. The majority of the most beautiful places, waterfalls, sea cliffs, and Mountain Waialeale itself can only be seen from the air. I recommend Jack Harter Helicopters but there are many other good choices. Jack Harter offers several different tours, but the best buy for your money is their 90 minute tour designed for serious photographers. It only runs once a day, so reservations ahead of time are a key. Helicopter tours won't fly in questionable weather. It's not safe and customers would not get their money's worth. Reserve your flight for early in your visit so that if it gets cancelled due to weather, you can reschedule.
See Kauai from the Sea
Kauai has some of the most stunning sea cliffs in the world. Don't miss you chance to see them from the water. From November through April you will even have the chance to see Hawaii's winter visitors, the humpback whales. The proprieter that almost always receives positive reviews is Captain Andy's Sailing Adventures. They run both sailing and rafting expeditions along the Na Pali Coast. They also sail from Port Allen Harbor on the south shore which is much more convenient for most visitors than one of thew few remaining operators that leave from Hanalei on the North Shore.
Now that we've covered seeing Kauai from the air and from the sea, there are a couple of things that are "must-sees" by land.
See Kauai from the Land
The first thing that is a must is a trip up to the Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park. You can get a good feel for this trip with our Western Kauai Photo Gallery. If you're staying in the Poipu area, you'll have a relatively short drive to Waimea and the trip up to the Waimea Canyon.
This is, however, another trip that you'll want to make when the weather is clear over that part of the island, since clouds tend to obscure the views of the canyon and the coast. Mark Twain called the Waimea Canyon the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and it is amazing. The colors are actually much better than you'll see at the Grand Canyon. You'll want to drive all the way to the end of the road in Koke'e State Park and at the Pu'u o Kila Lookout over the Kalalau Valley. This is where the Na Pali Trail begins and you can actually walk a bit along the trail. (Just don't go as far as the swamp, but there's really no chance of that!) This trip can be done in half a day. The best views into the Waimea Canyon are in the early afternoon when the sun is shining on the canyon's eastern walls.
A full day trip that you should take is the drive to Kauai's North Shore. There is so much along the way. Heading north on Highway 56 from Lihue you'll pass the Wailua River. (A trip down the Wailua River is a nice half day trip that you can consider on another day. Most first time visitors elect to take Smith's Wailua River Cruise to the Fern Grotto.) When heading to the North Shore, however, you really only have time for a brief stop, so make a left off Highway 56 onto Kuamo'o Road at the old Coco Palms Resort where Blue Hawaii was filmed. A bit up the road you can see Opaekaa Falls and a great overlook of the Wailua River Valley. From here you'll double back to Highway 56 and continue north.
We have a concise summary of a trip to Kauai's North Shore in one of our Hawaii Diaries. You can also get a good feel from two of our other photo galleries, our Eastern Kauai Photo Gallery and our North Shore Kauai Photo Galleries.
Obviously, there's a lot more to Kauai than what I've mentioned here, but these are our picks for a first time visitor. There are two really excellent Kauai Guidebooks. They are the first two listed on our Top Picks page of Kauai Guidebooks. Also, when you arrive at the airport be sure to pick up the free publication called 101 Things to Do on Kauai. It has some great ideas and some useful ads for discount activities and dining.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
Hawaii Prepares for an Uncertain Future
The place of America's first Day of Infamy braces for the challenges ahead in the aftermath of the attack on America.
Already suffering from a downturn in visitors due to the weakened world economy, Hawaii is once again bracing for what will likely be a further decline in tourism in the upcoming months.
Unlike any other state in the United States, Hawaii's number one industry, tourism, is totally dependent on the willingness of travelers to fly to the islands. If as few as five or ten percent of prospective visitors decide against air travel, Hawaii's economy is likely to suffer tremendously.
As not only a final tourist destination, but also as a major way point for air traffic bound to and from the U.S. mainland from Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, over 4000 travelers found themselves stranded in Hawaii in the hours following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Hawaii's tourist infrastructure struggled to locate accommodations for passengers and crews until such time as Hawaii's airports were reopened for air traffic. The major hotel corporations offered special rates and other assistance for stranded travelers.
Over one third of all passengers arriving at Hawaii's airports are of foreign nationality, predominantly from Canada, Japan and other nations of the Pacific Rim. Because of its role as a major border crossing, it is extremely likely that once air traffic resumes to and from the islands, intense security measures will need to be implemented and will likely remain in place indefinitely.
Security at Honolulu International Airport has generally been considered excellent. From the personal experience of this Guide (a frequent visitor to Hawaii), carry-on baggage is checked much more carefully than at many mainland airports. Many of these higher security measures were previously implemented to prevent animals, reptiles and non-native plant materials from entering the islands.
Transportation officials have already announced that once island airports are opened, only ticketed passengers will be allowed access to the terminals. Passengers who are used to arriving for flights just minutes before departure will likely need to adjust their schedules to allow for heightened security precautions. This will have the most serious effect on the hundreds of inter-island flights that are flown each day and used not only by visitors, but also by island residents commuting from island to island.
Other proposed security measures could significantly restrict carry-on baggage. Most travelers to Hawaii arrive with one or two carry-ons, often due to the personal needs of visitors making 8-10 hour flights to the islands.
While many passengers are likely to accept further security precautions and restrictions in the interest of their personal safety, others in fear of dangers of terrorism in the air will make other travel plans to destinations closer to home where air travel is not required.
Only time will tell the exact impact that the tragedy of September 11 will have on the economy and people of Hawaii. On a Sunday morning almost sixty years ago, Hawaii was the scene of the nation's first Day of Infamy. Numerous news sources are already referring to the happenings in New York and Washington as the nation's Second Day of Infamy.
The people of Hawaii and all travelers who have visited the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor share in the grief and anger of those who have suffered in the unspeakable tragedy sixty years later.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
Already suffering from a downturn in visitors due to the weakened world economy, Hawaii is once again bracing for what will likely be a further decline in tourism in the upcoming months.
Unlike any other state in the United States, Hawaii's number one industry, tourism, is totally dependent on the willingness of travelers to fly to the islands. If as few as five or ten percent of prospective visitors decide against air travel, Hawaii's economy is likely to suffer tremendously.
As not only a final tourist destination, but also as a major way point for air traffic bound to and from the U.S. mainland from Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, over 4000 travelers found themselves stranded in Hawaii in the hours following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Hawaii's tourist infrastructure struggled to locate accommodations for passengers and crews until such time as Hawaii's airports were reopened for air traffic. The major hotel corporations offered special rates and other assistance for stranded travelers.
Over one third of all passengers arriving at Hawaii's airports are of foreign nationality, predominantly from Canada, Japan and other nations of the Pacific Rim. Because of its role as a major border crossing, it is extremely likely that once air traffic resumes to and from the islands, intense security measures will need to be implemented and will likely remain in place indefinitely.
Security at Honolulu International Airport has generally been considered excellent. From the personal experience of this Guide (a frequent visitor to Hawaii), carry-on baggage is checked much more carefully than at many mainland airports. Many of these higher security measures were previously implemented to prevent animals, reptiles and non-native plant materials from entering the islands.
Transportation officials have already announced that once island airports are opened, only ticketed passengers will be allowed access to the terminals. Passengers who are used to arriving for flights just minutes before departure will likely need to adjust their schedules to allow for heightened security precautions. This will have the most serious effect on the hundreds of inter-island flights that are flown each day and used not only by visitors, but also by island residents commuting from island to island.
Other proposed security measures could significantly restrict carry-on baggage. Most travelers to Hawaii arrive with one or two carry-ons, often due to the personal needs of visitors making 8-10 hour flights to the islands.
While many passengers are likely to accept further security precautions and restrictions in the interest of their personal safety, others in fear of dangers of terrorism in the air will make other travel plans to destinations closer to home where air travel is not required.
Only time will tell the exact impact that the tragedy of September 11 will have on the economy and people of Hawaii. On a Sunday morning almost sixty years ago, Hawaii was the scene of the nation's first Day of Infamy. Numerous news sources are already referring to the happenings in New York and Washington as the nation's Second Day of Infamy.
The people of Hawaii and all travelers who have visited the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor share in the grief and anger of those who have suffered in the unspeakable tragedy sixty years later.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
Friday, January 25, 2008
Best of Hawaii
http://www.hawaiiactivityworld.com/
KEYWORDS:
Scuba Hawaii Hawaii Travel Caribbean Scuba Scuba Certification Scuba Jay Costa Maya Scuba Dive Gear Hawaii Reef Divers Scuba Diving Cave Diving Naui SSI TDI SDI Water Rescue Diving Water Rescues PADI Technical Scuba Diving Dive Rescue Jason Kilgore What is Scuba Diving Scuba Dive Answers Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts Jason Kilgore and USANA Jason Kilgore and Karate Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving Sacramento auburn California Hawaii Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving
KEYWORDS:
Scuba Hawaii Hawaii Travel Caribbean Scuba Scuba Certification Scuba Jay Costa Maya Scuba Dive Gear Hawaii Reef Divers Scuba Diving Cave Diving Naui SSI TDI SDI Water Rescue Diving Water Rescues PADI Technical Scuba Diving Dive Rescue Jason Kilgore What is Scuba Diving Scuba Dive Answers Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts Jason Kilgore and USANA Jason Kilgore and Karate Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving Sacramento auburn California Hawaii Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Marine Treasure in Hawaii Is Protected
A Marine Treasure in Hawaii Is Protected
President Bush creates vast ocean refuge to preserve rare sea animals and corals
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?contentID=5291
President George W. Bush announced last week that he will establish the world’s largest marine protected area to safeguard a remote, biologically rich string of islands and submerged lands known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Extending over 84 million acres, the proposed marine sanctuary is more than 38 times larger than Yellowstone National Park, and larger than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Following the process for scientific and public input outlined by Congress, the Bush Administration has developed a plan that will manage the sanctuary to protect the marine animals, coral reefs and seabird breeding habitat in one of the most remote coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Over 7,000 species are found in the region, at least one-third of which are unique to Hawai'i.
Environmental Defense scientist Dr. Stephanie Fried worked for years to secure strong protections for the waters of this 1,200-mile string of islands. Last fall, after signing regulations to safeguard state waters, Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle thanked Fried for her advocacy. Fried is a founding member of the NWHI hui – the broad network of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, fishers and scientists with groups including `Ìlio`ulaokalani Coalition, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance and Sierra Club/ Hawai`i, which led the campaign for NWHI protections.
Full news release - "Environmentalists Praise Bush's Action to Create the World's Largest Marine Protected Area: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Sanctuary" (6/15/2006)
In the News
The creation of this national monument — more than 100 times larger than Yosemite Park — made the headlines of major news outlets.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
President Bush creates vast ocean refuge to preserve rare sea animals and corals
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?contentID=5291
President George W. Bush announced last week that he will establish the world’s largest marine protected area to safeguard a remote, biologically rich string of islands and submerged lands known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Extending over 84 million acres, the proposed marine sanctuary is more than 38 times larger than Yellowstone National Park, and larger than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Following the process for scientific and public input outlined by Congress, the Bush Administration has developed a plan that will manage the sanctuary to protect the marine animals, coral reefs and seabird breeding habitat in one of the most remote coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Over 7,000 species are found in the region, at least one-third of which are unique to Hawai'i.
Environmental Defense scientist Dr. Stephanie Fried worked for years to secure strong protections for the waters of this 1,200-mile string of islands. Last fall, after signing regulations to safeguard state waters, Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle thanked Fried for her advocacy. Fried is a founding member of the NWHI hui – the broad network of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, fishers and scientists with groups including `Ìlio`ulaokalani Coalition, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance and Sierra Club/ Hawai`i, which led the campaign for NWHI protections.
Full news release - "Environmentalists Praise Bush's Action to Create the World's Largest Marine Protected Area: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Sanctuary" (6/15/2006)
In the News
The creation of this national monument — more than 100 times larger than Yosemite Park — made the headlines of major news outlets.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
Overfishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Honolulu, HI - The Ocean Conservancy and Marine Conservation Biology Institute today released a joint scientific report showing the repeated occurrence of overfishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The report reveals that the area was overfished or in the danger zone in 11 out of 16 years-from 1988 to 2003-with only limited fishing pressure, as few boats have fished the distant region. Despite the low fishing presence, commercial fishing has harmed the rich ecosystem, leading to a decline in the important bottomfish populations that exist in the unique archipelago.
"Overfishing is a serious threat to the health of our oceans, and if we are to act as good stewards, we need to make sure that the Northwestern Hawaiian Island bottomfish population remains healthy," said Dennis Heinemann, Senior Scientist for The Ocean Conservancy and lead author of the report.
A unique and diverse ecosystem exists in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands archipelago, which stretches from the main islands to Midway. This ecosystem contains extensive and massive reef colonies and thousands of marine species, and stands apart as an oceanic gem at a time in which large fish are disappearing and worldwide ecosystems are in decline. It is also highly important culturally for the native Hawaiian community. The report shows that even this relatively untouched region is susceptible to harm from even limited commercial fishing. It is clear that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands cannot remain healthy if any commercial fishing continues.
"Many have claimed that so few vessels fishing such a vast area would cause little harm," said Lance Morgan, Chief Scientist for Marine Conservation Biology Institute. "The government's data have shown the opposite is the case: the fishing pressure from only a few boats has had demonstrably negative effects on the resources. This unique region, with its extraordinary reef ecosystem, deserves extraordinary care."
The report's conclusions are based on recently adopted methods of analysis, using data provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Visit
www.oceanconservancy.org/hawaii
http://www.mcbi.org/
for more information.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
"Overfishing is a serious threat to the health of our oceans, and if we are to act as good stewards, we need to make sure that the Northwestern Hawaiian Island bottomfish population remains healthy," said Dennis Heinemann, Senior Scientist for The Ocean Conservancy and lead author of the report.
A unique and diverse ecosystem exists in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands archipelago, which stretches from the main islands to Midway. This ecosystem contains extensive and massive reef colonies and thousands of marine species, and stands apart as an oceanic gem at a time in which large fish are disappearing and worldwide ecosystems are in decline. It is also highly important culturally for the native Hawaiian community. The report shows that even this relatively untouched region is susceptible to harm from even limited commercial fishing. It is clear that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands cannot remain healthy if any commercial fishing continues.
"Many have claimed that so few vessels fishing such a vast area would cause little harm," said Lance Morgan, Chief Scientist for Marine Conservation Biology Institute. "The government's data have shown the opposite is the case: the fishing pressure from only a few boats has had demonstrably negative effects on the resources. This unique region, with its extraordinary reef ecosystem, deserves extraordinary care."
The report's conclusions are based on recently adopted methods of analysis, using data provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Visit
www.oceanconservancy.org/hawaii
http://www.mcbi.org/
for more information.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
Polar bears are on thin ice, literally
Dear Friend,
Polar bears are on thin ice, literally. The Arctic sea-ice habitat on which they rely is melting, the earliest and most drastic victim of global warming. With one fifth of sea ice habitat in Alaska already lost, we must act quickly to save these magnificent polar bears from extinction. Top government officials, however, have delayed the decision to list polar bears under the Endangered Species Act, precisely when protections are needed most.
At the same time, the Bush administration is charging ahead with efforts to open pristine Arctic areas in the Chukchi Sea for oil exploration and drilling and plans to begin leasing territory for this purpose in a matter of weeks. Oil and gas development operations typically emit tons of greenhouse gas pollutants into the atmosphere, discharge toxics into the ground, and dump wastewaters into the marine environment. Activities associated with the proposed leases would directly and negatively affect polar bears and other Arctic wildlife species that are already under stress from rapidly disappearing sea-ice. Listing polar bears would require federal agencies to consider the effects of oil exploration on polar bears and their habitat.
Should the government allow the Chukchi Sea oil lease sales before protections for polar bears are in place, the impacts will not have been fully considered before the leases move forward. Oil companies could then argue that they are exempt from measures that protect polar bears passed after they bought their leases.
Oil spills are another huge threat to polar bears. The Minerals Management Service says the odds are as high as fifty-fifty of a 1,000-barrel-or-more oil spill in the Chukchi Sea. A spill of that size could be fatal for polar bears and yet the government has no clear plan for responding if a spill does occur.
Last Thursday, Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) held a hearing in his House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming to examine the Administration’s decision to delay the polar bear listing decision. He also introduced legislation that would prohibit the lease sale from going forward until the Secretary of Interior determines whether to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act and designate critical habitat.
The Arctic environment is fragile, and one of the few remaining habitats left for polar bears. Moving ahead with risky oil and gas development without considering the effects on the environment is a bad idea and emblematic of our continued march down the path of fossil fuel dependence and increased global warming.
Please take action now! Contact Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and tell him to act quickly to list polar bears under the Endangered Species Act, and to delay a decision on the oil lease sale until impacts on polar bears and their habitat have been fully evaluated.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Vicki CornishVice President,
Marine Wildlife Conservation Ocean Conservancy
================================================
Additional Information:
Environmental Impact Statement on Lease Sale 193
(Chukchi Sea, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region):
http://www.mms.gov/alaska/ref/EIS%20EA/Chukchi_feis_Sale193/feis_193.htm
Information from recent studies on relationships of polar bears to present and future sea ice environments:
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/special/polar_bears/
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
Polar bears are on thin ice, literally. The Arctic sea-ice habitat on which they rely is melting, the earliest and most drastic victim of global warming. With one fifth of sea ice habitat in Alaska already lost, we must act quickly to save these magnificent polar bears from extinction. Top government officials, however, have delayed the decision to list polar bears under the Endangered Species Act, precisely when protections are needed most.
At the same time, the Bush administration is charging ahead with efforts to open pristine Arctic areas in the Chukchi Sea for oil exploration and drilling and plans to begin leasing territory for this purpose in a matter of weeks. Oil and gas development operations typically emit tons of greenhouse gas pollutants into the atmosphere, discharge toxics into the ground, and dump wastewaters into the marine environment. Activities associated with the proposed leases would directly and negatively affect polar bears and other Arctic wildlife species that are already under stress from rapidly disappearing sea-ice. Listing polar bears would require federal agencies to consider the effects of oil exploration on polar bears and their habitat.
Should the government allow the Chukchi Sea oil lease sales before protections for polar bears are in place, the impacts will not have been fully considered before the leases move forward. Oil companies could then argue that they are exempt from measures that protect polar bears passed after they bought their leases.
Oil spills are another huge threat to polar bears. The Minerals Management Service says the odds are as high as fifty-fifty of a 1,000-barrel-or-more oil spill in the Chukchi Sea. A spill of that size could be fatal for polar bears and yet the government has no clear plan for responding if a spill does occur.
Last Thursday, Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) held a hearing in his House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming to examine the Administration’s decision to delay the polar bear listing decision. He also introduced legislation that would prohibit the lease sale from going forward until the Secretary of Interior determines whether to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act and designate critical habitat.
The Arctic environment is fragile, and one of the few remaining habitats left for polar bears. Moving ahead with risky oil and gas development without considering the effects on the environment is a bad idea and emblematic of our continued march down the path of fossil fuel dependence and increased global warming.
Please take action now! Contact Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and tell him to act quickly to list polar bears under the Endangered Species Act, and to delay a decision on the oil lease sale until impacts on polar bears and their habitat have been fully evaluated.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Vicki CornishVice President,
Marine Wildlife Conservation Ocean Conservancy
================================================
Additional Information:
Environmental Impact Statement on Lease Sale 193
(Chukchi Sea, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region):
http://www.mms.gov/alaska/ref/EIS%20EA/Chukchi_feis_Sale193/feis_193.htm
Information from recent studies on relationships of polar bears to present and future sea ice environments:
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/special/polar_bears/
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Hawaiian Coral Reef:
The Hawaiian Coral Reef:
Important, but threatened
Stretching for more than 2000 kilometers in the Central Pacific, the Hawaiian coral reef accounts for about 85 percent of all coral reefs in the United States.
Because it is under water and not visible, the importance of the reef remains largely hidden – including its importance not only to the ocean environment and its inhabitants, but also to humans. The state of Hawaii consists of eight large, populated islands, also called the Main Hawaiian Islands, and 124 small, uninhabited islands, reefs and shoals, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, where the majority of the Hawaiian coral reef, about 70 percent of it, is located.
Coral reef support marine and terrestrial life
Even though they may appear to be nothing but rock, reefs are alive. Corals give reefs their structure. The limestone skeletons of living coral, the hard skeletal remains of dead coral and a soft type of coral provide structure for a reef, offering habitat and food to the many fish and invertebrates, including lobsters, octopus and crabs that live around it. And algae – more than 500 species live in Hawaii’s coral reef alone – not only provide fish with food, but also provide life-sustaining oxygen for all marine life. In fact, the oceans’ algae provide more oxygen than all land plants worldwide combined. About one-fourth of the plants, fish, and invertebrates found in the Hawaiian coral reef are endemic to Hawaii, meaning that they can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. In the past, reef fish provided Hawaiians with the majority of their protein. And, of course, reef fish continue to be a dietary staple for many people inhabiting and visiting Hawaii.
In addition to providing humans with food, reefs protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage by dissipating wave energy and limiting the impact of strong waves. Also, the sandy beaches enjoyed by island residents and visitors alike only exist because of Hawaii’s coral reef. Beach sand’s main components are dead fragments of coral, shells and calcified algae. But the reef is also responsible for creating the big Hawaiian waves. The shape of the reef is one factor in determining how big a wave gets.In addition to all of this, the reef provides diverse recreational opportunities, such as snorkeling and diving, making Hawaii a top tourist destination for people around the world, generating about $800 million a year for Hawaii’s marine tourism industry.
Human activities put reef in peril
Despite the coral reef’s importance, it suffers from degradation that began about 100 years ago as Westerners began to arrive in ever-increasing numbers. Today, urbanization, overfishing, alien species, marine debris and recreational overuse plague the Main Hawaiian Islands, while marine debris and the impacts from fisheries are causing problems in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, although their nearshore reefs are still in very good condition. Runoff the No. 1 problem for reef along the Main Islands
Unlike the more inaccessible Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Main Islands face a host of concerns related to population growth, urbanization and an increase in tourism. Urban development and agriculture are the most significant threats to Hawaiian coral reefs because of runoff containing sediments (soil and silt) and chemicals and nutrients from lawns, farms, golf courses, construction sites, storm drains, cesspools and septic tanks. Sediment runoff is bad because it reduces sunlight penetration and smothers corals. The reef then starves to death because it can’t manufacture food from sunlight any longer. Chemical herbicides and pesticides harm not only the coral, but also the animals that live within the reef, while fertilizers and sewage can lead to an overabundance of nutrients in the water and an excessive growth of algae which, in turn, crowds out corals or smothers them by cutting off their sunlight.
Overfishing depletes supplies, threatens reef ecosystem
Commercial, subsistence and recreational fishing during the past century have taken a toll on nearshore fish stocks, but the exact toll isn’t known. There is uncertainty of the actual number of catches because commercial fishers tend to under-report their catches, and there are many recreational and subsistence fishers without licensing or reporting requirements. The problem of recreational and subsistence fishing is difficult to resolve because these activities are important in Hawaii, where about 35 percent of Hawaiian residents fish. As a result of both under-reporting and unlicensing, little information exists on the status of most reef fish populations. Yet some studies done in Hawaii have shown that recreational fishers take a higher diversity of species with a wider variety of gear types than do commercial fishers and that recreational catches were equal to or greater than the commercial catches for some species.
Commercial fishing without a license, or poaching, is another problem for the Main Hawaiian Islands. If fishers take undersized fish and invertebrates, or fish out of season, it hurts the ocean environment because these juvenile animals haven’t had a chance to reproduce, yet. Moreover, long, inexpensive gill nets allow fishers to set nets deeper and harvest fish in areas once unreachable by fishers’ nets.
Overfishing and poaching mainly occur because Hawaii lacks marine enforcement and imposes minimal fines when enforcement does occur – meaning that there is no incentive for people to abide fisheries management regulations.
As for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, their remote location largely protects them from the harms linked to commercial, subsistence and recreational fishing, as well as from the harms linked to aquarium fishing. However, underwater overfishing in these islands is leading to a decline in lobsters, and a decline in lobsters endangers the Hawaiian monk seal, for which lobsters are an important food source.
Just enjoying the water can pose a threat
Although Hawaii is a popular tourist destination and welcomes visitors, recreation – including snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming – can compound the reefs’ struggle to survive. Marine debris, such as discarded fishing gear, can damage the reef, as can waste dumping from cruise and other pleasure ships. And taking a dip in a reef simply to admire its beauty has its drawbacks as well, because so many of us like to do that. In fact, this type of recreational overuse threatens the reef. Whether by accident or by intention – stepping on reefs can damage or even kill them.
A notable example of solving the problem of recreational overuse can be found in Hanauma Bay, known as O‘ahu’s premier spot for snorkeling and diving. During the 1980s, as many as 10,000 visitors enjoyed the bay daily, or about 3 million annually. Then, in 1990, the City and County of Honolulu enacted a plan to stop the neglect, restore the bay to a healthy state and safeguard the fragile marine life for the future. The plan includes a fish feeding ban, a requirement that all visitors view an educational video before going down to the bay, a ban on fishing, as well as a ban on smoking and alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, the city bus service to the bay is limited now to one bus arrival every half-hour. Parking along Kalanianaole Highway, which leads to the bay from Honolulu and from O‘ahu’s northeast side, was also prohibited. As a result of these regulations, the number of visitors dropped from 10,000 in the 1980s to 3,000 visitors daily today, or from about 3 million annually during the 1980s to about 1 million annually today. This has led to the bay’s recovery, with the biomass now measuring three to four times larger than the estimated abundance for most reef sites on Oahu.
Underwater life not immune to deadly alien species
Because of Hawaii’s unique ecosystem, where many species are endemic and the reef is diverse, alien species pose another threat. Alien species are organisms that have been moved from their native habitat to a new one, where they cause harm, sometimes out-competing native species or bringing new parasites and diseases with them, while native species lack defense systems to ward off the effects of these threats.
Since 1950, 19 new species of macroalgae have been introduced to Oahu, and studies show that these alien algae have overgrown and killed some coral in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu’s southeast coast. Sometimes, the effects of an alien invasion can completely alter an ecosystem. According to one study, a combination of invading alien species and runoff has led to massive blooms of foreign algae, with the result that they have overtaken native algae and reduced the diversity and complexity of some coral reef beds (Eldredge, Reaser: Coral Reefs: Invaded Ecosystems).
Aquarium fishing in Hawai‘i’s coral reefs:
Love for marine creatures’ beauty puts them at risk
Beyond the need for fish as food, the human desire to possess fish and other marine life for their beauty also takes toll on Hawaii’s coral reef. The U.S. aquarium fish industry reports that it obtains most if its ornamental fish and invertebrates from Hawaii’s waters. The annual harvest of aquarium fish in Hawaii more than quadrupled in a little more than 20 years, going from 90,000 harvested in 1973 to 422,823 in 1995.
Aquarium harvesters often destroy reef habitat when they collect sessile benthic invertebrates, such as the feather-duster worm, which lives attached on the bottom of the sea floor.
In 1998, the Hawaii state legislature passed a law because of conflicts among aquarium fish harvesters, commercial and subsistence fishers and environmentalists. The law declared a minimum of 30 percent of the west Hawaii Island coastline as Fish Replenishment Areas (FRAs) where aquarium fish collecting is prohibited.
What can be done to protect Hawaii’s coral reefs?
To help safeguard Hawaii’s fragile coral reef ecosystem, there are ways to get actively involved in reef protection programs. Volunteers are always needed for reef and beach clean-ups. Moreover, there are a few simple things each one of us can do. At home, residents can cut down on their use of fertilizers, pesticides and cleaning products that mostly contain chemical ingredients to limit water pollution. While fishing, it is best to limit the catch and to only take what is needed today. Don’t release non-native or aquarium fish into the ocean. It can also be harmful to throw waste in the water, or to discard old fishing nets. Even littering on the beaches can pose a threat because it can get washed into the ocean and harm the reef. Boat anchors shouldn’t be thrown on the reef, but only on a sandy bottom. And lastly, while swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, it is best to not touch the reef or step on it since that can harm or even kill it.
If each one of us followed these simple guidelines, the reef wouldn’t be as threatened as it currently is. This colorful underwater paradise will then be there for many generations to come.
Explanation of terms
Coral reef:
An erosion-resistant marine ridge or mound consisting chiefly of compacted coral together with algal material and biochemically deposited magnesium and calcium carbonates.
Shoal:
A sandy elevation of the bottom of a body of water, constituting a hazard to navigation; a sandbank or sandbar.
Degradation:
A decline to a lower condition, quality, or level.
Gill net:
A fishing net set vertically in the water so that fish swimming into it are entangled by the gills in its mesh.
Biomass:
The total mass of living matter within a given unit of environmental area. The total mass of all living things within a given area, biotic community, species population, or habitat; a measure of total biotic productivity.
Macroalgae:
Photosynthetic (chlorophyll-containing) organisms often referred to as seaweed. Multicellular algae (green, blue-green and red algae) having filamentous, sheet or mat-like morphology.
Herbicide:
A chemical substance used to destroy or inhibit the growth of plants, especially weeds.
Pesticide:
A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects.
Fertilizer:
Natural and synthetic materials spread on or worked into soil to increase its capacity to support plant growth.
Feather-duster worm:
Feather-duster worms are native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Similar species can also be found along the southern coast of the United States, and in the Bahamas and the West Indies. The Feather-duster worm normally grows to a length of about 4 or 5 inches (10 or 12 centimeters). It resides in a leathery tube, which is made of secretions from the Feather Duster itself.
Sessile:
Permanently attached or fixed; not free-moving.
Benthic:
The collection of organisms living on or in sea or lake bottoms.
Important, but threatened
Stretching for more than 2000 kilometers in the Central Pacific, the Hawaiian coral reef accounts for about 85 percent of all coral reefs in the United States.
Because it is under water and not visible, the importance of the reef remains largely hidden – including its importance not only to the ocean environment and its inhabitants, but also to humans. The state of Hawaii consists of eight large, populated islands, also called the Main Hawaiian Islands, and 124 small, uninhabited islands, reefs and shoals, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, where the majority of the Hawaiian coral reef, about 70 percent of it, is located.
Coral reef support marine and terrestrial life
Even though they may appear to be nothing but rock, reefs are alive. Corals give reefs their structure. The limestone skeletons of living coral, the hard skeletal remains of dead coral and a soft type of coral provide structure for a reef, offering habitat and food to the many fish and invertebrates, including lobsters, octopus and crabs that live around it. And algae – more than 500 species live in Hawaii’s coral reef alone – not only provide fish with food, but also provide life-sustaining oxygen for all marine life. In fact, the oceans’ algae provide more oxygen than all land plants worldwide combined. About one-fourth of the plants, fish, and invertebrates found in the Hawaiian coral reef are endemic to Hawaii, meaning that they can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. In the past, reef fish provided Hawaiians with the majority of their protein. And, of course, reef fish continue to be a dietary staple for many people inhabiting and visiting Hawaii.
In addition to providing humans with food, reefs protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage by dissipating wave energy and limiting the impact of strong waves. Also, the sandy beaches enjoyed by island residents and visitors alike only exist because of Hawaii’s coral reef. Beach sand’s main components are dead fragments of coral, shells and calcified algae. But the reef is also responsible for creating the big Hawaiian waves. The shape of the reef is one factor in determining how big a wave gets.In addition to all of this, the reef provides diverse recreational opportunities, such as snorkeling and diving, making Hawaii a top tourist destination for people around the world, generating about $800 million a year for Hawaii’s marine tourism industry.
Human activities put reef in peril
Despite the coral reef’s importance, it suffers from degradation that began about 100 years ago as Westerners began to arrive in ever-increasing numbers. Today, urbanization, overfishing, alien species, marine debris and recreational overuse plague the Main Hawaiian Islands, while marine debris and the impacts from fisheries are causing problems in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, although their nearshore reefs are still in very good condition. Runoff the No. 1 problem for reef along the Main Islands
Unlike the more inaccessible Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Main Islands face a host of concerns related to population growth, urbanization and an increase in tourism. Urban development and agriculture are the most significant threats to Hawaiian coral reefs because of runoff containing sediments (soil and silt) and chemicals and nutrients from lawns, farms, golf courses, construction sites, storm drains, cesspools and septic tanks. Sediment runoff is bad because it reduces sunlight penetration and smothers corals. The reef then starves to death because it can’t manufacture food from sunlight any longer. Chemical herbicides and pesticides harm not only the coral, but also the animals that live within the reef, while fertilizers and sewage can lead to an overabundance of nutrients in the water and an excessive growth of algae which, in turn, crowds out corals or smothers them by cutting off their sunlight.
Overfishing depletes supplies, threatens reef ecosystem
Commercial, subsistence and recreational fishing during the past century have taken a toll on nearshore fish stocks, but the exact toll isn’t known. There is uncertainty of the actual number of catches because commercial fishers tend to under-report their catches, and there are many recreational and subsistence fishers without licensing or reporting requirements. The problem of recreational and subsistence fishing is difficult to resolve because these activities are important in Hawaii, where about 35 percent of Hawaiian residents fish. As a result of both under-reporting and unlicensing, little information exists on the status of most reef fish populations. Yet some studies done in Hawaii have shown that recreational fishers take a higher diversity of species with a wider variety of gear types than do commercial fishers and that recreational catches were equal to or greater than the commercial catches for some species.
Commercial fishing without a license, or poaching, is another problem for the Main Hawaiian Islands. If fishers take undersized fish and invertebrates, or fish out of season, it hurts the ocean environment because these juvenile animals haven’t had a chance to reproduce, yet. Moreover, long, inexpensive gill nets allow fishers to set nets deeper and harvest fish in areas once unreachable by fishers’ nets.
Overfishing and poaching mainly occur because Hawaii lacks marine enforcement and imposes minimal fines when enforcement does occur – meaning that there is no incentive for people to abide fisheries management regulations.
As for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, their remote location largely protects them from the harms linked to commercial, subsistence and recreational fishing, as well as from the harms linked to aquarium fishing. However, underwater overfishing in these islands is leading to a decline in lobsters, and a decline in lobsters endangers the Hawaiian monk seal, for which lobsters are an important food source.
Just enjoying the water can pose a threat
Although Hawaii is a popular tourist destination and welcomes visitors, recreation – including snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming – can compound the reefs’ struggle to survive. Marine debris, such as discarded fishing gear, can damage the reef, as can waste dumping from cruise and other pleasure ships. And taking a dip in a reef simply to admire its beauty has its drawbacks as well, because so many of us like to do that. In fact, this type of recreational overuse threatens the reef. Whether by accident or by intention – stepping on reefs can damage or even kill them.
A notable example of solving the problem of recreational overuse can be found in Hanauma Bay, known as O‘ahu’s premier spot for snorkeling and diving. During the 1980s, as many as 10,000 visitors enjoyed the bay daily, or about 3 million annually. Then, in 1990, the City and County of Honolulu enacted a plan to stop the neglect, restore the bay to a healthy state and safeguard the fragile marine life for the future. The plan includes a fish feeding ban, a requirement that all visitors view an educational video before going down to the bay, a ban on fishing, as well as a ban on smoking and alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, the city bus service to the bay is limited now to one bus arrival every half-hour. Parking along Kalanianaole Highway, which leads to the bay from Honolulu and from O‘ahu’s northeast side, was also prohibited. As a result of these regulations, the number of visitors dropped from 10,000 in the 1980s to 3,000 visitors daily today, or from about 3 million annually during the 1980s to about 1 million annually today. This has led to the bay’s recovery, with the biomass now measuring three to four times larger than the estimated abundance for most reef sites on Oahu.
Underwater life not immune to deadly alien species
Because of Hawaii’s unique ecosystem, where many species are endemic and the reef is diverse, alien species pose another threat. Alien species are organisms that have been moved from their native habitat to a new one, where they cause harm, sometimes out-competing native species or bringing new parasites and diseases with them, while native species lack defense systems to ward off the effects of these threats.
Since 1950, 19 new species of macroalgae have been introduced to Oahu, and studies show that these alien algae have overgrown and killed some coral in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu’s southeast coast. Sometimes, the effects of an alien invasion can completely alter an ecosystem. According to one study, a combination of invading alien species and runoff has led to massive blooms of foreign algae, with the result that they have overtaken native algae and reduced the diversity and complexity of some coral reef beds (Eldredge, Reaser: Coral Reefs: Invaded Ecosystems).
Aquarium fishing in Hawai‘i’s coral reefs:
Love for marine creatures’ beauty puts them at risk
Beyond the need for fish as food, the human desire to possess fish and other marine life for their beauty also takes toll on Hawaii’s coral reef. The U.S. aquarium fish industry reports that it obtains most if its ornamental fish and invertebrates from Hawaii’s waters. The annual harvest of aquarium fish in Hawaii more than quadrupled in a little more than 20 years, going from 90,000 harvested in 1973 to 422,823 in 1995.
Aquarium harvesters often destroy reef habitat when they collect sessile benthic invertebrates, such as the feather-duster worm, which lives attached on the bottom of the sea floor.
In 1998, the Hawaii state legislature passed a law because of conflicts among aquarium fish harvesters, commercial and subsistence fishers and environmentalists. The law declared a minimum of 30 percent of the west Hawaii Island coastline as Fish Replenishment Areas (FRAs) where aquarium fish collecting is prohibited.
What can be done to protect Hawaii’s coral reefs?
To help safeguard Hawaii’s fragile coral reef ecosystem, there are ways to get actively involved in reef protection programs. Volunteers are always needed for reef and beach clean-ups. Moreover, there are a few simple things each one of us can do. At home, residents can cut down on their use of fertilizers, pesticides and cleaning products that mostly contain chemical ingredients to limit water pollution. While fishing, it is best to limit the catch and to only take what is needed today. Don’t release non-native or aquarium fish into the ocean. It can also be harmful to throw waste in the water, or to discard old fishing nets. Even littering on the beaches can pose a threat because it can get washed into the ocean and harm the reef. Boat anchors shouldn’t be thrown on the reef, but only on a sandy bottom. And lastly, while swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, it is best to not touch the reef or step on it since that can harm or even kill it.
If each one of us followed these simple guidelines, the reef wouldn’t be as threatened as it currently is. This colorful underwater paradise will then be there for many generations to come.
Explanation of terms
Coral reef:
An erosion-resistant marine ridge or mound consisting chiefly of compacted coral together with algal material and biochemically deposited magnesium and calcium carbonates.
Shoal:
A sandy elevation of the bottom of a body of water, constituting a hazard to navigation; a sandbank or sandbar.
Degradation:
A decline to a lower condition, quality, or level.
Gill net:
A fishing net set vertically in the water so that fish swimming into it are entangled by the gills in its mesh.
Biomass:
The total mass of living matter within a given unit of environmental area. The total mass of all living things within a given area, biotic community, species population, or habitat; a measure of total biotic productivity.
Macroalgae:
Photosynthetic (chlorophyll-containing) organisms often referred to as seaweed. Multicellular algae (green, blue-green and red algae) having filamentous, sheet or mat-like morphology.
Herbicide:
A chemical substance used to destroy or inhibit the growth of plants, especially weeds.
Pesticide:
A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects.
Fertilizer:
Natural and synthetic materials spread on or worked into soil to increase its capacity to support plant growth.
Feather-duster worm:
Feather-duster worms are native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Similar species can also be found along the southern coast of the United States, and in the Bahamas and the West Indies. The Feather-duster worm normally grows to a length of about 4 or 5 inches (10 or 12 centimeters). It resides in a leathery tube, which is made of secretions from the Feather Duster itself.
Sessile:
Permanently attached or fixed; not free-moving.
Benthic:
The collection of organisms living on or in sea or lake bottoms.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Traditional scientific papers
NOTE: Traditional scientific papers are only published after extensive peer-evaluation. The web, although a fantastic media for distributing information, can by-pass this process. Therefore, all material should be interpreted cautiously and critically. To aid in this process I offer my comments below. If you have additional comments on this material please send them to Brian Tissot.
General Articles:
Community-based management of coral reefs in Hawai'i by Brian Tissot via ReefNet
This is a synopsis of a talk I gave at the Clean Oceans Conference at Hanalei, Kauai in June 1997. This is a general, non-technical paper based largely on personal experiences. Key references are cited at the bottom of the paper.
Climate change, coral bleaching and the future of the world's coral reefs by Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
A peer-reviewed scientific paper published in the journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. Presents an excellent overview of coral bleaching and predictions of worldwide reef destruction for the future
Coral Laws of Hawai'i: by University of Hawai'i Sea Grant
Most of the information at this site is derived from the official Hawai'i State bulletin published by the Division of Aquatic Resources. Other information is provided by the Pacific Science Association
Diver Impacts on Coral Reefs of Kealakekua Bay, Hawai'i by Brian Tissot and Leon Hallacher
A scientific study of the potential impacts of swimmers, snorkelers and divers on coral reefs at a popular tourist destination on the Big Island.
Guidelines, Handbooks and Tools for Coral Reef Management by Sue Wells
Overview of Ecology of Coral Reefs in Hawai'i by Brian Tissot
A very general overview of Hawaiian coral reef ecology. Includes images illustrating common zonation patterns with cross-referenced species names.
The Hawaiian Reef Ecosystem by Brian Tissot
A technical overview of Hawaiian coral reef ecology, including reef formation, growth, ecology, and human impacts.
Volcanoes in the Sea: the Birth of Islands and Reefs in Hawai'i by Brian Tissot
Summary of a talk I gave at the 1996 Marine Affairs Symposium: a forum for Pacific-wide High School students to share their scientific research. A very general talk largely based on experience with some references to scientific work in progress.
Technical Reports:
20 years of change at Pelekane Bay by Brian Tissot
A technical report which focuses on a resurvey of an area subjected to considerable human disturbance due to watershed destruction and harbor construction. This article has not been peer-reviewed.
A new species of red algae from the Hawaiian Islands Laurencia molokiniensis et. nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophta) By Jennifer Smtih
Coral Reef Ecosystems of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
A very nice, easy to read report which summarizes the results of the year 2000 multi-group surveys. Includes many beautiful color photos, maps and interesting data!!!!
Coral Reef Fish Ecology by Odyssey Expeditions
A lucid and well-written overview of current hypotheses on factors structure coral reef fish communities. Includes citations from most major papers on the subject.
Coral Reef Status Around the World: Where Are We and Where Do We Go From Here? 1996. By, C.M. Eakin, J.W. McManus, M.D. Spalding, and S.C Jameson. Presented at the 8th International Coral Reef Symposium held in Panama.
Determination of baseline conditions for introduced marine species in nearshore waters of the island of Kaho'olawe, Hawaii by S. L. Coles, R. C. DeFelice, J. E. Smith, D. Muir and L.G. Eldredge
Global Marine Aquarium Database By UNEP-WCMC
An online database of trade information on the marine aquarium trade. The goals of this project are to to centralize, standardize and provide fast and easy access to information on the aquarium trade.
Effects of aquarium collectors on reef fishes in Kona, Hawai'i by Brian Tissot & Leon Hallacher
A report commissioned by the Division of Aquatic Resources to estimate the effects of aquarium fish collectors in Kona. Part of the West Hawai'i Aquarium Project. Peer-reviewed and published in the journal Conservation Biology.
Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by Dr. Ian McPhail
NOAA's State of the Coastal Environment: The Extent and Condition of U.S. Coral Reefs. 1998. By, S.L. Miller and M.Crosby.
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands/Kure Atoll Assessment and Monitoring Program, Final Report. 2002. By William j. Walsh, Ryan Okano, Robert Nishimoto, and Brent Carman
Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey techniques: A coral reef monitoring workshop. By Hallacher, L. E. and B. N. Tissot.
Reef Monitoring and Assessment Protocols by Brian Tissot
A list of links to the major sampling protocols used by various research programs throughout the world.
Implications for Coral Reef Management and Policy: Relevant Findings from the 9th International Coral Reef Symposium by Barbara Best, Robert Pomeroy and Cristina Balboa (USAID)
Review on Coral Reef Bleaching by Martin Pecheux
A large, comprehensive review of the literature on coral bleaching: its patterns, potential causes, and descriptions of detailed experiments. Misspelled words and grammatical errors cast doubt on the integrity of this review.
Status of Coral Reefs in the Pacific, Compiled by the Scientific Commission on Coral Reefs of the Pacific Science Association
State of the Reefs: Regional and Global Perspectives. An International Coral Reef Initiative Executive Secretariat Background Paper. 1995. By, S.C. Jameson, J.W. McManus, and M.D. Spalding
On-line Scientific Journals:
Bulletin of Marine Science
Canada Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
Coral Reefs
Ecology, Ecological Applications, Ecological Monographs
Marine Ecology Progress Series
Marine & Freshwater Research
Micronesica
Pacific Science
Newsletters
South Pacific Commission Fishery Newsletters
Fisheries Newsletter
Beche-de-Mer Information Bulletin
Fish Aggregation Device Information Bulletin
Fisheries Education & Training Information Bulletin
Live Reef Fish Information Bulletin
Pearl Oyster Information Bulletin
Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge Information Bulletin
Trochus Information Bulletin
Women in Fisheries Information Bulletin
REEF RESEARCH
(a quarterly newsletter published by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
General Articles:
Community-based management of coral reefs in Hawai'i by Brian Tissot via ReefNet
This is a synopsis of a talk I gave at the Clean Oceans Conference at Hanalei, Kauai in June 1997. This is a general, non-technical paper based largely on personal experiences. Key references are cited at the bottom of the paper.
Climate change, coral bleaching and the future of the world's coral reefs by Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
A peer-reviewed scientific paper published in the journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. Presents an excellent overview of coral bleaching and predictions of worldwide reef destruction for the future
Coral Laws of Hawai'i: by University of Hawai'i Sea Grant
Most of the information at this site is derived from the official Hawai'i State bulletin published by the Division of Aquatic Resources. Other information is provided by the Pacific Science Association
Diver Impacts on Coral Reefs of Kealakekua Bay, Hawai'i by Brian Tissot and Leon Hallacher
A scientific study of the potential impacts of swimmers, snorkelers and divers on coral reefs at a popular tourist destination on the Big Island.
Guidelines, Handbooks and Tools for Coral Reef Management by Sue Wells
Overview of Ecology of Coral Reefs in Hawai'i by Brian Tissot
A very general overview of Hawaiian coral reef ecology. Includes images illustrating common zonation patterns with cross-referenced species names.
The Hawaiian Reef Ecosystem by Brian Tissot
A technical overview of Hawaiian coral reef ecology, including reef formation, growth, ecology, and human impacts.
Volcanoes in the Sea: the Birth of Islands and Reefs in Hawai'i by Brian Tissot
Summary of a talk I gave at the 1996 Marine Affairs Symposium: a forum for Pacific-wide High School students to share their scientific research. A very general talk largely based on experience with some references to scientific work in progress.
Technical Reports:
20 years of change at Pelekane Bay by Brian Tissot
A technical report which focuses on a resurvey of an area subjected to considerable human disturbance due to watershed destruction and harbor construction. This article has not been peer-reviewed.
A new species of red algae from the Hawaiian Islands Laurencia molokiniensis et. nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophta) By Jennifer Smtih
Coral Reef Ecosystems of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
A very nice, easy to read report which summarizes the results of the year 2000 multi-group surveys. Includes many beautiful color photos, maps and interesting data!!!!
Coral Reef Fish Ecology by Odyssey Expeditions
A lucid and well-written overview of current hypotheses on factors structure coral reef fish communities. Includes citations from most major papers on the subject.
Coral Reef Status Around the World: Where Are We and Where Do We Go From Here? 1996. By, C.M. Eakin, J.W. McManus, M.D. Spalding, and S.C Jameson. Presented at the 8th International Coral Reef Symposium held in Panama.
Determination of baseline conditions for introduced marine species in nearshore waters of the island of Kaho'olawe, Hawaii by S. L. Coles, R. C. DeFelice, J. E. Smith, D. Muir and L.G. Eldredge
Global Marine Aquarium Database By UNEP-WCMC
An online database of trade information on the marine aquarium trade. The goals of this project are to to centralize, standardize and provide fast and easy access to information on the aquarium trade.
Effects of aquarium collectors on reef fishes in Kona, Hawai'i by Brian Tissot & Leon Hallacher
A report commissioned by the Division of Aquatic Resources to estimate the effects of aquarium fish collectors in Kona. Part of the West Hawai'i Aquarium Project. Peer-reviewed and published in the journal Conservation Biology.
Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by Dr. Ian McPhail
NOAA's State of the Coastal Environment: The Extent and Condition of U.S. Coral Reefs. 1998. By, S.L. Miller and M.Crosby.
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands/Kure Atoll Assessment and Monitoring Program, Final Report. 2002. By William j. Walsh, Ryan Okano, Robert Nishimoto, and Brent Carman
Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey techniques: A coral reef monitoring workshop. By Hallacher, L. E. and B. N. Tissot.
Reef Monitoring and Assessment Protocols by Brian Tissot
A list of links to the major sampling protocols used by various research programs throughout the world.
Implications for Coral Reef Management and Policy: Relevant Findings from the 9th International Coral Reef Symposium by Barbara Best, Robert Pomeroy and Cristina Balboa (USAID)
Review on Coral Reef Bleaching by Martin Pecheux
A large, comprehensive review of the literature on coral bleaching: its patterns, potential causes, and descriptions of detailed experiments. Misspelled words and grammatical errors cast doubt on the integrity of this review.
Status of Coral Reefs in the Pacific, Compiled by the Scientific Commission on Coral Reefs of the Pacific Science Association
State of the Reefs: Regional and Global Perspectives. An International Coral Reef Initiative Executive Secretariat Background Paper. 1995. By, S.C. Jameson, J.W. McManus, and M.D. Spalding
On-line Scientific Journals:
Bulletin of Marine Science
Canada Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
Coral Reefs
Ecology, Ecological Applications, Ecological Monographs
Marine Ecology Progress Series
Marine & Freshwater Research
Micronesica
Pacific Science
Newsletters
South Pacific Commission Fishery Newsletters
Fisheries Newsletter
Beche-de-Mer Information Bulletin
Fish Aggregation Device Information Bulletin
Fisheries Education & Training Information Bulletin
Live Reef Fish Information Bulletin
Pearl Oyster Information Bulletin
Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge Information Bulletin
Trochus Information Bulletin
Women in Fisheries Information Bulletin
REEF RESEARCH
(a quarterly newsletter published by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
Marine Life of Hawai'i
Marine Life of Hawai'i
Glossary of Technical Terms
CALYX (plural, CALICES): depression that houses the polyp
COENOSTEUM: common surface of corallum between calices
COLUMELLA: central structure of the calyx formed by fusion of the septa
CORALLUM (plural, CORALLA): skeleton of entire coral colony
CORALLITE: skeleton produced by an individual polyp
COSTA (plural, COSTAE): extensions of the septa outside the calyx unto the coenosteum
PAPILLAE: rounded nipple-like projections covering the coenosteum; found in Montipora
THECA: wall of corallite
SEPTUM (plural, SEPTA): : skeletal plates that project into the calyx from the theca; may be subdivide into primary, secondary, and tertiary septa
VERRUCAE: small cylindrical projections arising from the corallum that contain calices; found in Pocillopora
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
Glossary of Technical Terms
CALYX (plural, CALICES): depression that houses the polyp
COENOSTEUM: common surface of corallum between calices
COLUMELLA: central structure of the calyx formed by fusion of the septa
CORALLUM (plural, CORALLA): skeleton of entire coral colony
CORALLITE: skeleton produced by an individual polyp
COSTA (plural, COSTAE): extensions of the septa outside the calyx unto the coenosteum
PAPILLAE: rounded nipple-like projections covering the coenosteum; found in Montipora
THECA: wall of corallite
SEPTUM (plural, SEPTA): : skeletal plates that project into the calyx from the theca; may be subdivide into primary, secondary, and tertiary septa
VERRUCAE: small cylindrical projections arising from the corallum that contain calices; found in Pocillopora
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
Island of Hawai'i
Island of Hawai'i
A. Demography
Population size: 120,317
Population density (no./sq. km): 11.5
Population growth (1980-1990): +31%
Percent urban population: 8%
B. Geography
Island area (sq. km): 10,433
Shoreline length (km): 428
C. Coral reefs
Estimated percent reef: 50%
Reef area (sq. km): 252
Reef types: fringing, non-structured communities
Protected areas:
Marine life conservation districts: Kealakekua Bay, Lapkahi State Historic Park, Old Kona Airport, Wailea Bay
Fisheries management areas: Hilo Bay, Puako Bay & Reef, Kailua Bay
Total area (ha): 288
Percent of protected reef area: 1.1%
Information sources:
Further reading:
Clark, J. R. K. 1985. Beaches of the Big Island. Univ. of Hawaii Press. 169 pp.
Click here for more information about Marine Life Conservations Districts
Clark, J. R. K. 1985. Beaches of the Big Island. Univ. of Hawaii Press. 169 pp.
Click here for more information about Marine Life Conservations Districts
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
Hawaiian Reef Ecosystem
Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse marine eco-systems on earth, rivaled only by the tropical rainforests on land. Corals grow over geologic time and have been in existence about 200 million years. Corals reached their current level of diversity 50 million years ago.The delicately balanced marine environment of the coral reef relies on the interaction of hard and soft corals, sponges, anemones, snails, rays, crabs, lobsters, turtles, dolphins and other sea life.
A coral reef is composed of thin plates or layers of calcium carbonate secreted over thousands of years by billions of tiny soft bodied animals called coral polyps. It takes years for some corals to grow an inch and they range in size from a pinhead to a foot in length. Each polyp excretes a calcereous exo-skeleton and lives in a symbiotic relationship with a host algae, zooxanthellae, that gives the coral its color. Zooxanthellae takes in carbon dioxide, process is through photosynthesis, and then gives off oxygen as a by-product that is used by the host polyp. Millions of polyps grow on top of the limestone remains of former colonies to create the massive reefs. Yet these tiny animals form the only natural formation visible from outer space.
The ecology of coral reefs in Hawai'i is unique compared to reefs in other tropical areas. Hawaiian reefs are unique for several reasons:
1. They are geologically young and therefore not as well developed as other reefs. Most reefs in the windward islands of Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu and Kaua'i are small and occur relatively close to shore. As these reefs grow and develop they are called fringing reefs, which eventually develop into barrier reefs, which occur in Kaneohe Bay on O'ahu and on the south shore of Moloka'i. There is a general westward trend towards greater reef development which coincides with the geologic ages of the islands. Superimposed upon this pattern, however, is the effects of wave exposure: in general more sheltered leeward coasts have reefs with greater coral cover than wave-pounded windward coasts (see Grigg, 1983).
2. As a consequence of their younger age and the general absence of barrier reefs in the windward islands, Hawaiian reefs are generally less productive than other reefs. With smaller reef areas and the absence of lagoons that trap and retain both coastal and terrestrial runoff, Hawaiian reefs are generally more nutrient poor and therefore lack a high abundance of filter feeding animals such as soft corals, sponges, tunicates, and bivalves. As a result, Hawaiian reefs are more clearly dominated by corals.
3. Due to the geographic isolation of the Hawaiian Islands they are less diverse that other reefs, especially those in the nearby Indo-Pacific province to which they belong. For example, in Hawai'i there are about 40 species of reef building corals; in the western Pacific island of Palua there are over 300! One consequence of lower diversity is that reef-building corals in Hawai'i are less specialized and thus more generalized in their distribution than species elsewhere. Furthermore, a relatively few number of corals dominant Hawaiian reefs. There is a unique advantage to science here, however, because Hawaiian reefs are far easier to study!
B. Coral Reef Zonation in Hawai'i
In response to variation in environmental conditions near the shoreline, coral reefs exhibit zonation where the abundance and composition of the coral community varies according to distance and depth from shore. Wave exposure is the primary factor causing zonation in Hawai'i but gradients in sedimentation, salinity, and temperature are also important (see Dollar, 1982). The following is a summary of zonation patterns typical of Hawai'i. Common names are linked to descriptions in the Marine Life of Hawai'i section.
In response to variation in environmental conditions near the shoreline, coral reefs exhibit zonation where the abundance and composition of the coral community varies according to distance and depth from shore. Wave exposure is the primary factor causing zonation in Hawai'i but gradients in sedimentation, salinity, and temperature are also important (see Dollar, 1982). The following is a summary of zonation patterns typical of Hawai'i. Common names are linked to descriptions in the Marine Life of Hawai'i section.
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Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Hawaii Reefs
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Spinner Dolphin
Spinner Dolphin Pictures, Behaviors, Video and Information (provided by the Wild Dolphin Foundation)
The Hawaiian name for dolphin is nai'a, and refers to most all dolphins found here. Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are shaped and colored somewhat differently from other species of spinner dolphins.
With 13 species of toothed dolphins (nai'a) swimming in the tepid waters of Hawaii, the most common are the Hawaiian spinner, spotted (kiko), bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins. Other often seen members of the dolphin family - although termed as whales (kohola)- are pilot and false killer whales.
Dolphins in Hawaii are commonly termed as "porpoise" by local folks, especially fishermen, who use the word "dolphin" when referring to the dolphin fish, or mahi mahi.
So called for their high, spinning leaps, spinner dolphins are known as playful, eager bow-riders throughout much of their range.
In certain areas in Hawaii, spinner dolphins are seen on an almost daily basis. Probably since the islands have formed, the Hawaiian spinner dolphins have come into nearshore daytime habitats along the west coast of Oahu. We have traced their occurrence in our area back at least 800 years.
Below are descriptions of daytime behaviors the acrobatic spinners frequently engage in. Pictures and videos were taken during our dolphin encounter tours.
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins Stenella longirostris "Nai'a"Size: 1.7 to 2.2 m, 75 kg. Males slightly larger than females Calves at birth: 77 cm 45 to 65 sharp-pointed teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw Food: Fish (small deep-ocean species) and squid Habitat: Mainly offshore Range: Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate world ocean Status:
Population unknown, but common in most parts of its range. Substantial declines have occurred in the eastern tropical Pacific
To see the enlarged pictures, please click on the desired picture. Double click to open movies.
Spins
Spinner dolphins are famous for their fantastic jumps high out of the water. They can leap into the air and make as many as 7 complete spins before diving back into the ocean! Few dolphins are known to leap as high as the Spinner and except occasionally for the Clymene dolphin, no others spin. Why Do Spinner Dolphins Spin?Note: Click on the picture to the right to see good spin video >>
Head-Over-Tail
This aerial behavior is probably the most energetic. While the spin is more like a top, this leap is a series of mid-air somersaults.Note: Click on the picture to the right to see head over video >>
Head Slaps
This very young spinner has already learned a way to get mom's attention. Repeated head slaps send an acoustical message. Notice the pinkish underside, normally white, this could mean excitement or the product of vigorous slapping!
Tail or Peduncle Slaps
Often seen before a change in the pods behavior. Most often, immediately after we see this behavior, the pod will change its traveling direction. Tail slap video and how it looks from underwater. The dolphin is excited about his "play toy!"
Nose-Outs
Often seen before going into a rest mode, or when they seem to have interest in us. These, although still classified as aerial behaviors are the least energy taxing.
Fluke-up Dive
Dives with the tail (flukes) raised in the air seem to signal deep dives. This a borderline aerial behavior - as it still happens above the water line, but is not very active.
Playing Behavior
Spinners often make "play-toys" of objects in their environment. In our area, the tradewinds blow lightweight plastic grocery bags into the ocean. The dolphins drape these over their fins and pass them back and forth. Note: Click on the picture to the right to see dolphins play video >>
Echelon Swimming
Newborn calves can be seen swimming near their mothers head for about a week before they swim nearer to her dorsal fin. This is termed as echelon swimming. Dolphins carry their young inside their womb and gestation is about 12 months for a bottlenose. The baby emerges tail first, and will suckle from its mother for up to 4 years.
Breathing
Oceanic dolphins have evolved a method of breathing without surfacing from the water. They blow a bubble when near the water surface and then quickly draw breath in when the bubble forms a bridge between the blowhole and the air, through the water. Dolphins breathe through their blowhole located at the top of their head. A dolphin may empty and refill its lungs in less than a fifth of second. As the dolphin breathes the air leaves the blowhole at speeds of over 100mph. To sleep, a dolphin must shut down only half of its brain, as its breathing is under voluntary control.
Social Behavior
Spinner dolphin's pectoral flippers are used to steer them through the water, and they also use them to stroke one another, increasing the social bond between them. Dolphin "friends" may swim along face to face touching flippers. Dolphins that appear to be closely bonded may swim in synchrony, twisting, turning and swimming in perfect harmony together.
Whistles
Spinner Dolphins can be very noisy under and above water, click here to hear for underwater video and sound of spinner dolphins vocalizing and a signature whistle.
More spinner dolphin photos
Hear a dolphin click train
Our wildlife tours focus on education and conservation so that an interactive relationship can be maintained in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. We strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these wonder-ful marine mammals.
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Lost Baggage / Hawaii
So while on my trip to Maui, to dive with the dolphins and swim with the fat people. I made my way from California to Maui where i thought things were going to be exciting off the plane. To say the least. We arrived on 12/20/07 to spend the holidays over on the islands and was supprised to be standing at the luggage claim without my families gear, we sat there for 26 minutes along with about 100 people on 4-6 different airlines for us to have to goto the counter fighting our way to the manager to assist us in finding our bags. Not one bag but 9 bags for 5 people. Needless to say we didnt get it back for 3 days which was tough. Washing the same clothes and being cheap to buy new stuff, and spend that extra money during the holidays.
We made many calls 2-3 times a day to Aloha Airlines to get our stuff and was reported that there was 52 members still at the time of us getting our stuff that their stuff still didnt make it to islands.. I wish them the best and makes me want to carry this stuff on the plane with me next time. It was a good way to piss 5 family members off..
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
We made many calls 2-3 times a day to Aloha Airlines to get our stuff and was reported that there was 52 members still at the time of us getting our stuff that their stuff still didnt make it to islands.. I wish them the best and makes me want to carry this stuff on the plane with me next time. It was a good way to piss 5 family members off..
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
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