Seawords July 2003

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Gopal’s Award forTeaching Excellence

Story by Doreen SeatonThroughout the years, MOP hasbeen acknowledged for the way itsupports an ohana spirit. One of thethings we like to do as a big familyis to express gratitude for those whohave worked hard for MOP, for themarine leaders of the future. Dr.Kakkala Gopalakrishnan, or “Dr.Gopal,” as students and staff areknown to call him, has taught for 27years, enriching the careers ofstudents through a wide range ofmarine related courses.

It is with great pleasure that weannounce that Gopal received anExcellence in Teaching Award fromthe Board of Regents at this Spring’sHCC Commencement. He washonored with a medal, a cash prize,and a certificate. This award is thehighest of its kind in the UH system. In hisacceptance speech, Gopal noted that the awardwas "an honor, it stands for creativity,individuality, and knowledge". In previous years,he had been nominated for the award five timesby his students.

In the early 1970’s, Gopal was completingpost-doctoral work at Coconut Island, specializingin shrimps. A Mänoa MOP student who wasworking under him told him about MOP. In 1975,he started teaching at Honolulu CommunityCollege and has been there ever since. Some ofhis popular classes, including Oceanography,Marine Biology, Environmental Science, andAquatic Pollution, sparked the interests of hisstudents in the marine field and very soon therewas a great demand for bringing MOP to HCC.

Several years ago, in response to the limitedresources available at HCC, Gopal sought aUSDA grant for a project entitled "OceanResource Utilization and Management." Hereceived almost $150,000. According to Gopal,the project is designed to "provide students withocean awareness and encourage them to pursueeducational goals in fields related to oceanresource utilization and management". With thegrant, he was able to transform both his classroomand lab area into an ideal learning environment.

With the new classroom, Gopal is able to work hisway through his lecture and lab presentations witha DVD player, surround sound, and the best,newest technology, all at his fingertips. Also,comfortable chairs, powerful computers,microscopes, and plentiful lab equipment for eachstudent save valuable classroom time and makethe course more enjoyable and engaging.Currently, Gopal is renovating the wetlab thatadjoins the classroom, a lab that features severallarge aquaculture tanks and an assortment ofequipment. The new lab will be more spacious,which will allow more students to work in thearea.

Not only did Gopal acquire the grant, and allthe supplies he deemed beneficial, he has alsolearned how to use all of these gadgets. He notedhow he felt that it was very important to learn howto use everything he received, before using it inclass, in order to minimize "technical difficulties"during class time.

When asked where he sees himself in the nextfive years, Gopal responded "continuing toprovide the best education to students, and helpstudents with their MOP projects." You can reachDr. Gopal at orsomewhere in his classroom at HCC. We wish himall the best in the upcoming years.

Gopal, long-time MOP Coordinator at Honolulu CC and recentrecipient of an Excellence in Teaching Award, stands at thehead of his new technologically advanced classroom.

Seawords July 2003

UH Mänoa . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: 956-8433e-mail:

web:

UH Hilo and Hawai‘i CC . . . . .Telephone: 974-7544

email: web:

UH West Oahu . . . . . Telephone: 454-4715e-mail:

Honolulu CC . . . . . . . . Telephone: 847-9824e-mail:

Kauai CC . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: 245-8251e-mail:

Kapiolani CC . . . . . . . . Telephone: 734-9389e-mail:

Leeward CC . . . . . . . . Telephone: 455-0286e-mail:

Maui CC . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: 984-3203e-mail:

web:

Windward CC . . . . . . Telephone: 236-9118e-mail:

web:

July 3rd Summer Session I ends.

July 4th Independence Day (Holiday).

July 5th Summer Session I ends.

July 7th Summer Session II begins.

July 16th & 18th New Student OrientationInformation Booth, 11:45-1:00pmat the Campus Center Ballroom.(volunteers needed)

July 19th Hanauma Bay Night Snorkle.

July 23rd Pizza and a MOP Movie.

July 30th New Student OrientationInformation Booth, 11:45-1:00pm at the Campus CenterBallroom.(volunteers needed)

August 1st, 8th, New Student Orientation13th & 20th Information Booth, 11:45-1:00pm at

the Campus Center Ballroom.(volunteers needed)

August 2nd Makapu‘u Hike and Tidepools.

August 9th & 10th North Shore Camping Trip.

August 15th Admission Day (Holiday).

August 17th Commencement for Summer Session.

August 21st Fall MOP Coordinators Meeting atWindward Community College.

August 25th First Day of Instruction for Fall.

September 1st Labor Day (Holiday).

Fall, 2003 MOP Reunion.

SeawordsVolume XVII, Number 7, July, 2003

Editor: Brian RichardsonSeawords - Marine Option Program

University of Hawai‘i, College of Natural Sciences2525 Correa Road, HIG 214Honolulu, HI 96822-2219

Telephone: (808) 956-8433, Fax: (808) 956-2417E-mail:

Web site:

Seawords is a monthly newsletter of the Marine Option Program at theUniversity of Hawai‘i. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarilythose of the Marine Option Program or of the University of Hawai‘i.

UH Mänoa MOP Events

The Mänoa MOP Aquarium Needs YOU!The Mänoa MOP Aquarium needs summer help — feeding the

fish , and maintaining the aquarium. If you will beavailable this summer, please contact AndersJonsson by e-mail at .

Diving Safety Courses at UH MänoaAll training is done at the Environmental Health and Safety Office

classroom, 2040 East-West Rd., UH Mänoa. The fee is payable bypersonal check or University requisition at the time of the class. Formore information or specific course dates, contact Dave Pence at (808)956-6420; e-mail: . The Diving Safety Officewebsite is at .

CPR/First Aid/Oxygen AdministrationFor previously trained providers who need to renew the certificate(required every two years for UH Scientific Diver authorization). Long-expired certificates require full re-training. The diver obtains trainingmaterials from UHDSP and reviews independently prior to class. Atclass time, diver takes written knowledge evaluation, and demonstratesprovider skills. Cost Recovery Fee is $20. Normally taught on the secondWednesday of the month (July 9th, August 13th), from 8:00am to noon,or 1:00 pm to 5pm.

DAN Oxygen First Aid for Diving InjuriesRequired training for qualification as UH Scientific Divers. For diverswho have not previously had this training, or whose certification isexpired. Course involves a two hour lecture/discussion, a one hour lunchbreak, and a three-hour practical skills session and written exam. TheCost Recovery Fee is $20. The course is typically taught the thirdWednesday of every other month (July 16th, September 17th, November19th), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

For more information on MOP events, contactyour local MOP office. Pre-registration is

required for all field trips.

Seawords July 2003

EVENTS AROUNDHAWAI‘I

Waikiki Aquarium ActivitiesPreregistration is required for all activities.Please call the Education Department forregistration materials. Phone: 923-9741,Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Formore information on these and other events,visit the Waikiki Aquarium’s web site at: .

Aquarium After DarkFriday, July 11th, August 1st or August 29th, 7:00 to 9:00pmDo fish snooze? Do lobsters sleep? Tour the Waikiki Aquarium atnight to find out! You’ll discover how coral reefs change as dayturns to night. Join us for an after-dark flashlight tour of the Aquariumexhibits! Minimum age 5 years, youngsters must be accompaniedby an adult. Registration: $6/adult, $5/child ($7/6 non-members).Preregistration is required; class size is limited.

Small FryWednesdays, July 23rd to August 20th8:30 to 10:00am or 10:30am to NoonShare ocean discoveries with your 1 to 3-year old this spring. Parentsand their young learners discover marine life in five weekly sessionsthat include craft, song, movement and special tours of theAquarium’s marine life exhibits. Class size is limited, so pleasegive second choice time. Preregistration required. Class fee: $70/adult & child for all five 5 sessions ($50 for members).

Waikiki Aquarium AquanautsJuly 28 to August 1st, 8:00am to 3:00pmThis weeklong marine biology class for students 8 to 14 years ofage features in the water and lab experiences. Students must be ableto snorkel in water over 3 feet deep. Class size is limited.Registration: $250/child ($200 for Aquarium members).

Exploring the Reef by DaySunday, July 13th, 8:00 to 10:30am or July 27th, 7:30 to 10:00amIn this morning activity, explore shallow reef and tidepool areaswith the Waikiki Aquarium! On these shoreline expeditions you wadeup to your knees, experiencing the natural history of Hawai‘i’sshores. Reef conservation and reef walk safety are also covered.Minimum age 5 years, youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.Registration: $10/adult, $8/child ($8/6 for Aquarium members).

Kahuku Shoreline HikeAugust 10th, 8:00am to 1:00pmThis hike along the scenic Kahuku shorline introduces the ecologyof intertidal benches, beaches and dunes, as well as the geology ofthe coastline’s fossil limestone. The hike is lead by Phil Bruner ofBYU-Hawai‘i and Mark Heckman of the Aquarium. This is a half-day, 2.5 mile shoreline hike along uneven surfaces. Registration:$10/person($8for Aquarium members).

Dive/Snorkel the Solomon IslandsOctober 2nd to 16th, 2003Experience the phenomenal diversity of the Western Pacific as youspend 14 nights aboard the 120-foot vessel, Spirit of Solomons withAquarium Associate and naturalist, Ann Fielding. Eveninglectures and field sessions enrich your understanding ofreef ecology. Cost: $3,750 for boat portion; airfare,transit, and hotel are separate.

Summer Course for TeachersPhysical Science for Elementary Teachers WorkshopJuly 16th to 18th and 21st to 25th, 2003, 8:30 am to 3:00 pmCourses are taught at the Benjamin Parker School Science Lab (inKaneohe) by Sylvia Kaizuka. To register, call 956-4744. For moreinformation, visit .Details also on page 55 of the UH Mänoa Summer School Catalog.

Continuing Education Courses at WCCSaturday, July 12th - Tow-In SurfingWednesday August 6th and Saturday, August 9th •

Ocean Safety Management: Principles and PracticesThese courses are taught by James Howe. The cost is $60 each. Formore information, visit .

Hanauma Bay Evening TalksJuly 10, 2003— Native Coastal Plants of Southeast Oahuby Rick Barboza, Hui Ku Maoli Ola

July 24, 2003— Disappearing Sands or Beach Erosionby John Rooney, UHM School of Ocean and Earth Science

All events begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held in the new Hanauma BayEducation Center unless otherwise specified. These are open to thegeneral public and free of charge. Please call Shawn Carrier at phone:397-5840; e-mail if you have any questions.

The Great Annual Fish Count MonthEvents on Maui include:

July 7th: REEF novice fish id seminar, 5:30pm at the LahainaCivic Center

July 10th: Field survey by Ed Robinson's Diving AdventuresJuly 12th: REEF novice fish id seminar, 10:00am at the

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National MarineSanctuary Education Center, Kihei

July 13th: Shore field survey, 9:00am, at Kahekili Beach park,Kaanapali

July 16th: Field survey by Mike Severns DivingJuly 17th: Field survey by Extended HorizonsJuly 21st, 22nd, and 23rd: Field surveys by Trilogy ExcursionsJuly 27th: Shore field survey, 9:00am, at Ahihi-KinauJuly 29th: Shore field survey, 9:00am at Makena Landing with

Fantasy DivingFor more information, visit or call Liz Foote at(808) 669-9062. Sponsored by Reef Environmental EducationFoundation (REEF),

Maui Ocean Center — Sea TalksTuesday, July 1, 2003, 6:00pmThe Discovery of the Ward Midget

Submarine off Pearl HarborChristopher Kelley and Terry Kerby,

Hawai‘i Undersea Research LaboratoryAdmission is free. For more information, phone: 270-7084 or270-7075. The Maui Ocean Center’s web site can be found at.

Seawords July 2003

MOP SpringGraduationStory by Doreen Seaton

On Friday, May 16, 2003, the evening wasspent with family and friends of MOP’s 64thgraduating class. This year we were privilegedto hold this occasion at the newly openedHanauma Bay Education Center.

Alan Hong, MOP Alum, and Manager ofHanauma Bay Nature Preserve, addressed thegraduates on the subject of “MOP’s History atHanauma Bay-A Manager’s Perspective.”Throughout his talk, he illustrated a series ofambitious MOP students, preserving, while stillenjoying Hanauma Bay.

For instance, MOPer Charles Rolisonintroduced UH students to Hanauma Bay, withhis guided snorkeling trips for $3 per person. Throughthis shuttling service, Charlie was able to fulfill his MOPskill project, "Marine Recreational Tours," as heimparted to many the treasures of the sea.

As more people were introduced to Hanauma, MOPerElizabeth Reynolds, started her project entitled"Research-Marine Park Management". Her projectrequired a user-survey taken over a period of six months,

Mel Apana, Student Coordinator at Honolulu CC, receiving hisMOP Certificate from Dr. Sherwood.Maynard, MOP Director.

where she would collect data that, along withenvironmental surveys performed by other people, couldhelp draft a plan to manage Hanauma Bay. One SeaGrant study found that 20% of visitors reported that theyfed fish.

Alan pointed out that tour companies were beginningto bring people to the Bay, and the total visitor count wasexceeding 12,000 per day. Many people visited

Hanauma Bay because of its reputation, but theydid not realize that they were not taking care of thereef. Smoking and eating on the beach led to atrash problem, people frequently trampled on thereef. One survey, carried out by Sea Grant, foundthat 20% of visitors reported that they fed fish.

With the master plan now in effect, these threatsare now prohibited. The master plan also restrictedtour companies from adding to the heavy reeftraffic, and now the tours are only able to come for15 minutes to sightsee. As a result, the annualvisitor rate has dropped from three to one million.

After Alan Hong’s address to the graduates, thepresentation of the certificates began. There weretwenty-seven MOP students graduating throughoutthe state, which are listed in the table below.

The contribution of the staff and mentors whoguided these students is very important, which iswhy certificates of appreciation were given out tofour well-deserving MOP faculty (see table).

Congratulations to the 64th Graduating Class!

Alan Hong, keynote speaker at the 64th MOPgraduation, with Sherwood.

Seawords July 2003

MOP Graduates forSpring 2003(and their skills projects)

MänoaKeeley Ann Belva, Marine Mammal ConservationKauaoa M.S. Fraiola, Mangrove Ecology and DiversityTorsten Heinen, Using LIDAR Data for Shoreline ExtractionMaki Kurihara, Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour Guide and

Ocean NaturalistKristi Michelle Muhic, Marine Mammal Conservation

ResearchLei S. Yamasaki, Analysis of Feeds for Clarius fuscus Growout

in Hawai‘i

Honolulu Community CollegeMelvin K. Apana, Observation of the Growth of Golden

TilapiaWinona Coelho, The Effects of Color on Brine Shrimp Growth

and Survival

Windward Community CollegeFrederick Farrell, Reef Mapping and AssessmentErin Green, Monk Seal Identification DatabaseEthan Morgan, Aquaculture of Marine InvertebratesSandie Lindell, Artificial Reef StudiesLauren K.Vickery, Conservation of Hawksbill Turtles

Maui Community CollegeRobert F. Bruck, Benthic Invertebrate RecruitmentJulia K.I. Hannon, Coral Reef MonitoringAlethea McMahon, Marine Turtle Stranding ResponseMaude Tremblay, Tracking and Protecting Hawksbill Sea

Turtles During Nesting Season

UH HiloMeredith Acly, Marine Pollution ResearchMark Albins, Marine Video TechnologyKristin Britton, Marine Biotoxins ResearchBrooke Hoffman, Coral Reef BiologyJackalyn L. Holbrook, Marine Pollution ResearchJesselynne Krief, Marine Biotoxins ResearchTracy McMullen, Marine Pollution ResearchMichelle Popek, Marine Ecology ResearchDarla J. White, Marine Biotoxin ResearchCharles H. Wiggins, Jr., Marine Micronutrient Research

MOP Certificates of AppreciationLeticia Colmenares, Marine Education at Windward CCJohn Coney, Experiential Ocean EducationAlan Hong, Marine Conservation and Diver EducationFloyd McCoy, Education in Marine Science and Maritime

Archaeology

More MOP NewsCoordinator Change at Windward CC

With the end of the Spring semester, LettyColmenares has stepped down as MOP coordinator atWindward Community College. After a very successfuland productive two years in the position, Letty is takinga break. Letty is a Chemistry teacher at WCC. DaveKrupp, who teaches Biology at WCC, will be taking herplace as MOP coordinator. Letty, thanks for all of yourcontributions to MOP over the last two years. Dave,good luck with the next two.

Congratulations to Sabrina Clark!by Doreen Seaton

MOP alumna Sabrina Clark has been recentlyawarded the Davidson Marine Policy Fellowship. Thisfellowship provided by Sea Grant, is in honor of formerSea Grant director Jack R. Davidson. Applicantsapplying for the fellowship are required to meet achallenging means of screening, which Sabrina was wellprepared for.

Sabrina Clark came to MOP in 1997, offering, as shehad once mentioned, an “enthusiastic outlook and broadknowledge I have gained in my seven years of college.”She began her college career at American River College,then Sierra College, and finally ended up in Hawai‘i atHPU and UH Mänoa.

At UH Mänoa, Sabrina completed undergraduatedegrees in both zoology and psychology, and is currentlyin her first year at the University of Hawaii’s RichardsonSchool of Law.

Sabrina's skills project was entitled "The types,distribution, and intensity of fishing and nonfishingactivities within the Waikiki Marine Life ConservationDistrict and Waikiki-Diamond Head ShorelineFisheries." For this project, Sabrina was advised by Dr.Kim Holland and Carl Meyer of the Hawai‘i Institute ofMarine Biology.

The Davidson Marine Policy Fellowship provides a“unique educational experience for students interested inocean and coastal resources, and in state and nationalpolicy decisions affecting those resources.” Sabrina willbe working as a staff member for Hawai‘i State HouseRepresentative Hermina Morita. Morita is chair of theEnergy and Environmental Protection Committee and amember of the Education, Higher Education, and theWater, Land Use and Hawaiian AffairsCommittees. MOP would like to wish Sabrinaluck as she serves in her well-awardedfellowship, and continues her college studies.

Seawords July 2003

Following QUEST diveprotocol, each team off ofPuako signaled to the beach-master before descending attheir assigned isobaths. Photoby John Coney. Check out theQUEST 2003 picture galleryJohn has put up at

QUEST 2003by Elena Millard

The Quantitative Underwater Ecological SurveyingTechniques course offered through MOP at theUniversity of Hawai‘i at Hilo, is an intensive two weeksummer experience that combines field research, labwork, and classroom studies. Students are taught aboutcoral reef ecology and about the methods and materialsthat scientists use to survey and monitor changes in thenearshore underwater environment. As human activitiessuch as overfishing, pollution, and tourism impact thehealth of coral reefs worldwide, standardized proceduresfor monitoring the changes that occur are necessary.QUEST aims to train future scientists for this type ofenvironmental monitoring.

Students spent the first five days at UH Hilo. Some ofthe topics covered in the classroom sessions included:Reef Fish Biology, taught by Dr. Leon Hallacher,Professor of Biology at UH Hilo; Geomorphology,Sedimentology, Oceanography of Coral Reefs, taught byDr. Walt Dudley, Director of the Kalakaua MarineEducation Center; and Environmental Assessment &Reef Ecology, taught by Dr. Brian Tissot, Director ofScience Programs, Washington State University,Vancouver, WA. Faculty were available to fieldquestions about their presentations as well as give adviceabout careers and how to use scientific diving skills.

After the final exam, the QUEST team of faculty andstudents traveled to Puako, located on the South Kohalacoast, to complete the field portion of the course. UsingSCUBA, students applied the information that theygained in the classroom. Data from the reef flat, 25 ft

and 40 ft isobaths were gathered from two dive sites atPuako. Students used tools such as digital cameras,transect lines, quadrants, and underwater data sheets toperform various types of surveys. For example, duringthe Fish Rapid Visual Transect Survey, diver buddy pairsswam the length of a 100m belt transect and recorded thescientific names of the fish that they saw within 5m ofthe line for 25 minutes. Fish were assigned a numberbased on the time interval that they were first seen. Thissurvey provides information about abundant versus rarespecies.

During other dives, students measured the rugosity, orroughness, of the reef, estimated percent cover ofdifferent species of coral, perfected their buoyancycontrol, and recorded seaweed and mobile invertebratespecies. Puako is home to a beautiful reef system, with adistinct reef flat, crest, and slope. This site is used eachyear by QUEST teams, so students can compare datafrom previous groups and draw conclusions about howthe reef is changing.

While in Puako, QUESTers stayed in A-framecottages at a nearby campground. After four intense butrewarding days of diving and data collection, studentsand staff had the chance to unwind with an eveningbarbeque and ultimate Frisbee game as the sun set overHapuna beach.

Teams returned to Hilo to compile and organize thedata that were collected in the field, run statistical tests,and write final reports. “It took a lot of concentration tomake sense of the pages full of data that we hadcollected, and our team really had to work together tocoordinate what each of us could contribute to the finalproject. Although it was a time consuming process, Idefinitely feel that this part of the course was essential

Seawords July 2003

Chemicals &Coral Reefs

by Elena MillardSodium cyanide (NaCN) is an extremely toxic, white

crystalline powder which dissolves rapidly in seawater toform hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and sodium ions. Accordingto the International Occupational Safety and HealthInformation Centre, cyanide is readily absorbed by the skinof humans, affects cellular respiration, damages the heartand liver, and can cause convulsions, unconsciousness, anddeath. The chemical has similar effects on aquaticorganisms, with fish being among the most sensitivevertebrates (Eisler 1991). Cyanide is a respiratory inhibitorwhich interferes with the ability of organisms to metabolizeoxygen through inhibition of electron transport in themitochondria of vertebrates and the zooxanthellae ofsymbiotic corals (Leduc 1984, Cervino et al. In Press).

Cyanide fishing began in the Philippines in the early1960s, and became a widely used and profitable means tocollect marine fish alive for the international aquariumtrade. Aquarium fish collectors reported that they squirtcyanide solution from plastic detergent bottles toimmobilize fish hiding in and under coral heads (Robinson1985). The solution stuns the fish, making them easy tocollect by hand or with nets. The poison is non-selective,killing corals and non-targeted fish species, macro-invertebrates, and planktonic coral and fish larvae (Rubec1986). Cyanide-caught fish exhibit high rates of mortality,and, if they survive collection, they often die during export.Controlled experiments confirmed that exposure to cyanideconcentrations of 300 ppm for 3 minutes damaged andkilled 8 genera of corals and a sea anemone (Cervino et al.In Press). Cyanide solutions sprayed onto the reefs byfisherman are often much higher concentration (>2000ppm). Coral is also destroyed when fishermen break thecoral in order to extract the poisoned fish that haveretreated into crevices to hide.

Similar collection methods were adopted during themid-1970s in the Philippines to immobilize groupers andthe Napoleon wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus, to supply livefood fish to Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, mainlandChina, and Taiwan. Cyanide fishing has spread and is nowprevalent in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, andVietnam. The fishing method may also be spreading furtherto other countries in the South and Central Pacific (e.g.Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands),as well as to the Indian Ocean in East Africa, andthe Red Sea, where the live food fish andaquarium fish trades have spread. The

Chris Stoebenau, a graduate student at UH Mänoa,records invertebrates along a 50 m transect during theMobile Invertebrate Strip Transect Dive. A rock boringurchin, Echinometra mathaei, was a common species onthe reef flat at Puako. Photo by Dr. Frank Stanton, LCC.

because we needed to understand how the numbers thatwe collected could be used to make ecologicalstatements about Puako’s reef system," said ChristinaToms, a UH Hilo Marine Science student.

The hard work and effort from the field and from theclassroom was evident during the final symposium asstudent teams presented their results to the faculty andstaff.

The topics for the presentations included: AnAnalysis of the Substrate using the Point Intersect andPhotoquadrant Methods, Benthic Monitoring, Coral ReefFish Assessment using the Strip Transect and RapidVisual Transect Surveys, Abundance and Distribution ofFish Using the Circular Plot Method, Diversity ofMobile Invertebrates, and the Holoholokai BaselineSurvey results. QUESTers were treated to a sunsetdinner cruise aboard UH Hilo’s Marine ScienceProgram’s Research Vessel Four Winds. QUEST is aunique opportunity for students to network withscientists and learn how SCUBA can be used as aresearch tool.

We welcome you to join the program during thesummer of 2004!

Students with valid UH Scientific Diver authorizationcan apply for the Basic QUEST course (Mare 264).Students that have completed Basic QUEST can apply asteam leaders for the Advanced QUEST course (Mare364). Both courses carry 3 credits in Marine Sciencefrom UH Hilo. For enrollment requirements, please visit:.

Seawords July 2003

combined trade of live reef fish for the tropical aquariumand seafood industries is valued annually at over $1 billionworldwide (WRI website). Fishermen of undevelopednations as well as tropical fish retailers in the United Statesand Europe are attracted to the profits, and are oftenuneducated or unconcerned about the long-term effects ofcoral reef damage and over exploitation of marineresources. The United States is responsible for the importof over 60% of the marine aquarium fish caught from reefsin the Indo-Pacific.

Large reef fish of the family Serranidae (groupers) andCheilinus undulatus, the Napoleon wrasse, are definitetargets for the live food fish trade and have led to the rapidover-exploitation of these fish in the wild. The fish are slowgrowing and many require large numbers to be present inorder to spawn, making over-exploitation a serious threat tothese populations. According to the Tropical Research andConservation Centre, the once plentiful Napoleon wrassepopulation has been depleted by roughly 99% on many ofthe reefs of Sabah, East Malaysia. The peacock grouper,Cephalopholis argus, and black snapper, Macolor niger,have been depleted by 97% on the same reefs. C. undulatusand the giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus, are listedon the International Union for the Conservation of NatureRed List as vulnerable species, facing serious threat ofextinction in the near future.

As reefs are over-fished and destroyed, new and moreremote areas are targeted. Although the practice is illegal inmany countries; many of these countries lack the resourcesto monitor and enforce their laws concerning destructivefishing.

To combat this increasing problem, the PhilippinesDestructive Fishing Reform Program (DFRP) wasdeveloped in the early 1990s by a partnership between theInternational Marinelife Alliance, World ResourcesInstitute, and the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries andAquatic Resources (BFAR) to help strengthen lawenforcement, establish a monitoring and inspectionnetwork, and provide education to fishing communitiesabout reef conservation and the benefits of sustainablemarine resources. Cyanide fisherman are being retrainedand educated about alternative fishing methods.Community-based conservation programs in aquaculture,dive tourism, and research are also being supported (IMA,2003).

Cyanide use in the Philippines has been reduced inresponse to the DFRP's efforts. Similar field programs havesince been established in Indonesia, Hawai‘i, the MarshallIslands, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Palau, Papua New Guinea,Kiribati, and Vietnam. Assessments of the impacts of the

live reef fish trade on reefs of the MarshallIslands, Fiji, and Christmas Island will helpgovernment officials make more environmentally

aware decisions about laws and the use of the marineresources surrounding the islands. Cyanide detection testlaboratories were also set up in the Philippines by the IMAfor research and law enforcement purposes.

Current research is developing ways to test for thepresence of the chemical in fish upon import from othercountries, so that exporters who knowingly sell fish caughtwith cyanide can be targeted and prosecuted.

In 2001, the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC)completed an international system of certification formarine ornamentals. MAC works with public aquariums,members of the marine aquarium hobby and industry,conservation organizations and government agencies toencourage consumers to seek out dealers that have obtainedthe certification and to purchase MAC Certified organisms,as these have been caught, handled and transportedaccording to MAC’s environmentally safe standards. MACalso works to educate fishermen and their communitiesabout non-destructive fishing methods, proper post-harvesthandling and the skills needed to develop ecosystem-basedmanagement plans for the collection area in order toencourage and implement the MAC certification program.MAC also works with exporters, importers and retailers tooptimize the health and minimize the mortalities of marineornamentals and with other conservation organizations todevelop similar safe practice standards for the live reeffood fish trade.

As responsible consumers, we need to demand andpurchase only certified ornamentals for our homeaquariums and discourage the trend of selling live reef fishand lobsters in restaurants by not choosing these selectionsfor dinner. Further research on methods of successfulaquaculture for cyanide-targeted species is needed beforethese species are safe to purchase.

References:Cervino, J. M., R. L. Hayes, M. Honovitch, T. J. Goreau, S. Jones, and P. J.

Rubec. In Press. Changes in zooxanthellae density, morphology, andmitotic index in hermatypic corals and anemones exposed to cyanide.Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Eisler, R. 1991. Cyanide Hazards to Fish, Wildlife, and Invertebrates: ASynoptic Review. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and WildlifeService, Biological Report 85(1.23), Contaminant Hazard Reviews Report23: 64 pp.

IMA, 2003. The East Asia Pacific Coral Reef Conservation Initiative. 2003.Progress Report submitted by the International Marinelife Alliance (IMA)to the U.S. Agency for International Development associated with theEast Asia-Pacific Environmental Initiative, IMA Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii,USA, 27 pp.

Leduc, G. 1984. “Cyanides in water: toxicological significance.” pp. 153-224, In: L.J. Weber (ed.), Aquatic Toxicology, Vol. 2, Raven Press, NewYork.

Robinson, S. (1985) “Collecting tropical marines – An interview with EarlKennedy: The founding father of the Philippine fish trade speaks out.”Part 1. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(2), 80-86.

Rubec, P.J. (1986) “The effects of sodium cyanide on coral reefs and marinefish in the Philippines.” In Maclean J.L., L.B. Dizon, and L.V. Hosillos,eds, Proceedings The First Asian Fisheries Forum, Manila, Philippines:Asian Fisheries Society, pp. 297 -302.

Seawords July 2003

Family: LabridaeSpecies: Cheilinusundulatus (HumpheadWrasse)

Family: ScaridaeSpecies: Bulbometoponmuricatum (BumpheadParrotfish)

Family: SerranidaeSpecies: Cromileptisaltivelis (Barramundi Cod)

Cephalopholis miniatus(Coral Trout), C. argus(Peacock Grouper)

Epinephelus sexifasciatus,E. coeruleopunctatus(White-spotted Grouper),E. malabaricus (MalabarGrouper, E. ongus (White-streaked Grouper), E.lanceolatus (GiantGrouper)

Plectropomus leopardus(Leopard Grouper)

Family: LutjanidaeSpecies: Lutjanus bohar(Red Mumea), L. carpon-otatus (Striped Snapper),L. fulviflammus (GoldenSnapper), L. gibbus(Humpback Snapper)

Family: BalistidaeSpecies: Balistoidesconspicillum (ClownTriggerfish), Melichthysniger (Black Triggerfish),Odonus niger (RedtoothTriggerfish)

Family: PomacentridaeSpecies: Amphiprionchrysogaster (Orange-finClownfish), Dascyllusflavicausa (Yellow-tailedDascyllus)

Family: PomacanthidaeSpecies: Centropygeflavicauda (White-tailPygmy Angel) Pomac-anthus imperator (EmperorAngel), P. xanthometapon(Blueface Angel)

Chaetodontoplusmelanosoma (Black VelvetAngel), Geniacanthuslamarck (Lamarck’s Angel)Pygoplites diacanthus(Regal Angel)

Family: AcanthuridaeSpecies: Acanthuruslineatus (Clown Surgeon-fish), A. olivaceus (ShoulderTang), A. nigricausa (Brown-eared Sugeonfish), A.xanthopterus (PurpleSurgeonfish), Ctenochaetusstriatus (Striped Bristletooth)

Family: NemipteridaeSpecies: Nemipterusmesoprion (RedfilamentThreadfin Bream)

Some Targeted Species of Cyanide Fishing

The CDT database created by the International Marinelife Alliance and other sources were consulted to determine whichspecies of marine food and aquarium fish are mostly likely to be caught using cyanide. DO NOT purchase these species.Their populations are experiencing serious decline and loss of habitat.

Please visit the following websites to learn more:Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) The Coral Reef Alliance International Marinelife Alliance (IMA) Reef Check World Resources Institute

The paper was revised with the help of Dr. Peter J. Rubec, IMA, and Sylvia Spalding, Dr. Paul Holthus, MAC.

C. undulatus

B. muricatum

C. altivelis

C. miniatus

E. sexifasciatus

P. leopardus

L. carponotatus

B. conspicillum

A. chrysogaster

P. xanthometapon

G. lamarck

A.lineatus

N. mesoprion

Seawords July 2003

EMPLOYMENTLecturer in Aquaculture andOcean ResourceHonolulu Community College is looking forlecturers to teach Aquaculture and OceanResource courses in Fall 2003 and Spring 2004.For more information, contact Gopal at e-mail.

NOAA Position in DallasNOAA's Coastal Protection and RestorationDivision (CPRD) works with EPA, states,industry representatives, and others to identifyand assess risks to natural resources fromhazardous waste sites in coastal areas and todevelop cost-effective strategies to minimizerisks and restore natural resources. This positioninvolves evaluating the potential for adverseimpacts on aquatic species and habitats usinginformation on site history, contaminantdistribution, known effects of contaminants onspecies and habitats present at the site. Thisposition will be filled through ORISE internshipor other contracting mechanism. Salary range:$40,000-$50,000. For more information, contactAlyce Fritz at phone: (206) 526-6305.

Natural Resource ScientistThe Damage Assessment and RestorationProgram of NOAA has a vacancy in its St.Petersburg, Florida office for a toxicologist ornatural resource scientist with expertise inenvironmental chemistry, geology, biology, orecology. Appointment to this position will bemade through the Oak Ridge Institute for Scienceand Education (ORISE) program, and will bemade for a period of one year, renewable for upto two additional years. The salary is $55,000 -$65,000 per annum, depending uponqualifications. Applications are due by July 31,2003. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Pleaseenclose a resume, graduate and undergraduateacademic transcripts, and a writing sample(preferably a recent technical paper or report).Applications should be mailed to: Tony Penn,NOAA Damage Assessment Center, N/ORR3,SSMC4, Rm. 10218, 1305 East-West Highway,Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3281. Electronicapplications will not be accepted. Informationregarding the ORISE program can be found at.

Policy AnalystEnvironmental Law InstituteThe Institute is an internationally recognized,independent research and education center. Thecandidate will work closely with legal andscience/policy staff on collaborative projects inthe Research & Policy Division involvingdomestic environmental and natural resource

protection law, science, and policy.Application materials should beemailed to (withthe subject line "Policy Analyst

Search") or mailed to: Policy Analyst Search,Environmental Law Institute, 1616 P Street, NW,Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036. Position closesSeptember 10, 2003. For information, search forthe job at < http://www.idealist.org>.

Kahuku Shrimp CompanyKahuku Shrimp Company is looking for a recentgraduate with a bachelor's degree in any of thelife sciences for a position in their shrimpreproduction program at Kahuku on Oahu. Noprevious experience necessary (willing to train).Starting pay is $20K/year. Advancementopportunities available in the company. There'sone MOP alum working there now for the pastfew years (Jeff Garvey). Apply to Bruce Smith293-0157. Best to phone before 9am.

STUDENTEMPLOYMENTProgram AideUH Diving Safety OfficeA 10-hour per week position will be availablebeginning in September. This position is notfundamentally diving related, but involves officework, record-keeping and lots of computer dataentry. Any diving activity would be ancillary, andonly available after the student has completedScientific Diver qualification. There is room forgrowth in responsibilities over time, includingdiving training and evolution to diving status, asthe program needs dictate. The opportunity for aMOP skill project is also possible as an extensionof the employee's duties after the student isconversant with the duties of the job. UH-Manoastudent must be eligible for student employment.Sophomore or junior is strongly preferred, withan informal commitment for a long term ofemployment, so the program has continuity.Experience with MS Word, Excel, Access, andweb site design and web page maintenance is abig plus. Experience with scuba diving is initiallyvaluable only as it helps the employee understandthe data and paperwork handled. Dependable,meticulous attention to detail and an ability towork with minimum supervision after initialtraining is a must. More information is availablethrough the UH-Mänoa SECE office. Interestedstudents should send a resume, including contactinformation for three references, to Dave Penceat e-mail .

VOLUNTEERINGMonitors at Tern, French FrigateShoals, and Laysan IslandsThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is looking fora few good volunteers for field stations at Tern,French Frigate Shoals, and Laysan Islands. Theseislands are essential nesting areas for 20 speciesof seabirds and Hawaiian green sea turtles andare the principal pupping grounds for theHawaiian monk seal. Work at the stations includesmonitoring and banding migratory and resident

seabirds, shorebirds, and endangered land birds,alien plant eradication, native plant propagationand out-planting, at times some sea turtle work,data collection and entry, and up to 50% facilitiesand equipment maintenance.

The Service expects a three to six monthcommitment from volunteers. Room and boardare paid for by USFWS. For an informationpacket about the volunteer positions and greaterdetail on duties for each station as well as how toapply, please contact Dominique Aycock at 541-1201; P.O. Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96850; orat e-mail: .

INTERNSHIPSOceanic Institute InternshipOpportunities in research programs and othercapacities. To apply, send proposal letterindicating program preference, available time,and if it is for school credit. Send your proposalto The Oceanic Institute, Attention Gary Karr,Training & Education Coordinator, MakapuuPoint, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI96795-1820; fax: 259-5971; e-mail:. For moreinformation, visit the Oceanic Institute websiteat .

SCHOLARSHIPSSigma Xi Research GrantsHeads up for the October 15th deadline for SigmaXi Grants in Aid of Research. Information canbe obtained from .

American Association of UniversityWomen — Fellowships for WomenThe AAUW is accepting fellowship and grantapplications for women to perform dissertationor postdoctoral research. American citizens orpermanent residents who are completingdissertations are eligible. The applicationdeadline for most of these awards is November15th. For more information, visit .

L'Oreal — Science FellowshipProgram for WomenThe program will provide education and researchgrants to young women pursuing a career inscience. L'Oreal USA will award five annualfellowships to young women who are graduatestudents or postdoctoral researchers in the naturalsciences (biological and physical), engineering,computer science, and mathematics. A fellowshipgrant of $20,000 will be awarded to eachrecipient. The U.S. Fellowship program is openonly to women in their third or fourth year ofgraduate studies.Graduate students andpostdoctoral applicants must be planning topursue their field of study or advanced researchat a nonprofit institution in the U.S. Completeprogram information and application forms areavailable at the L'Oreal USA Web site . Theapplication deadline is November 1st, 2003.

Seawords July 2003

CONFERENCES &CALLS FOR PAPERS

Hawai‘i Conservation ConferenceJuly 10th and 11th, 2003 — Honolulu, HI

For more information, visit the conference website at or contact Claudia Hamblin-Katnik, Hawai‘iConservation Alliance; e-mail: ; phone: 944-7133.

Coastal Zone Management, 2003July 13th to 17th, 2003 — Baltimore, MDTopics of the conference include coastal management history,management responses to coastal hazards, and port and harbormanagement. For information visit .

Asia-Pacific Conference on Algal BiotechnologyJuly 14th to 17th, 2003 — Qingdao, ChinaThe conference will focus on algae for humanity and the environment.For information, visit .

American Fisheries SocietyAugust 10th to 14th, 2003 — Quebec City, CanadaFor information, visit .

Congress on the History of OceanographySeptember 8th to 14th, 2003 — RussiaThe Kaliningrad Museum of the World Ocean is hosting this conference.For details , visit.

Estuarine Research Federation ConferenceSeptember 14th to 18th, 2003 — Seattle, WAThe conference will consider ocean forces, influences of the land, andhuman activity. The attributes and influences on Pacific Rim estuarieswill be a special focus. For more information, contact Joy Bartholomewat e-mail or visit .

Marine Biotechnology ConferenceSeptember 21st to 27th, 2003 — Chiba, JapanThe conference is a combined meeting of the Marine BiotechnologyConference and the Asia-Pacific Marine Biotechnology Conference.For more information, contact Haruko Takeyama at email: or visit .

Oceans 2003 (MTS/IEEE): Past and FutureSeptember 22nd to 26th, 2003 — San Diego, CAThere is a Student Poster program at the conference to encourage theparticipation of scientific and engineering students in professionalconferences. For information, visit .

Islands And Coastlines ConferenceOctober 1st to 5th, 2003 — Norfolk Island, AustraliaThe Conference will focus on the maritime history and historicalarchaeology of island and coastal communities. Proposals are due June30th, 2003. For more information, go to .

Hawai‘i Summit-to-Sea 2003 — POSTPONEDOctober 26th to 29th, 2003— Honolulu, HI

This conference has been postponed.

For the official announcement, go to: .

Wetlands Workshop, 2003: Wetland HydrologyOctober 27th to 31st, 2003— Atlantic City, NJFor more information, visit .

Remote Sensing of Environment SymposiumNovember 10th to 14th, 2003 — Honolulu, HI

Sponsored by NASA, the theme of this year’s International Symposiumon Remote Sensing of Environment is "Information for RiskManagement and Sustainable Development." An overview of theconference can be found at .

Undergraduate Research ConferenceNovember 14th and 15th, 2003 — Los Angeles, CATo be held at the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles. Events include judgedposter sessions with monetary awards, scientific workshops, networkingopportunities with career scientists, interaction with graduate and careerrecruiters. For more information, visit .

Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal SeasNovember 18th to 21st, 2003 — Bangkok, ThailandThe conference is on “Comprehensive and Responsible Coastal ZoneManagement for Sustainable and Friendly Coexistence between Natureand People.” The conference website is .

The History of Science SocietyNovember 20th to 23rd, 2003 — Cambridge, MAThe History of Science Society annual meeting will be held inCambridge. For more information, visit Theorganizers can be reached at e-mail .

HABTech 2003November 26th to 30th, 2003 — New ZealandA workshop on Technologies for Monitoring of Harmful Algal Bloomsand Marine Biotoxi will be held at Nelson, New Zealand. For details,visit .

PACON 2003November 30th to December 3rd, 2003 — Kaohsiung, TaiwanThis symposium, originally scheduled for June, 2003, will focus on thetheme of “Ocean Capital”. For more information, visit .

Historical and Underwater ArchaeologyJanuary 7th to 11th, 2004— St. Louis, MOThe general theme of the conference will be “Lewis and Clark: Legacyand Consequences.” Abstracts are due by June 15, 2003 and can besubmitted online via .

Ocean Research ConferenceFebruary 15th to 20th, 2004— Honolulu, HI

The Ocean Research Conference, sponsored by the American Societyof Limnology and Oceanography and The Oceanography Society, willhighlight recent advances with an emphasis on the integration of aquaticsciences as well as the breadth of ocean research including engineering,industrial, public policy and marine research. For more information,visit orcontact Helen Schneider Lemay at phone: (254) 776-3550; e-mail.

World Aquaculture SocietyMarch 1st to 5th, 2004— Honolulu, HI

For more information, visit .

Seawords July 2003

ContentsExcellence in Teaching

Award for Gopal . . . . . . . . . . 1MOP Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Events Around Hawai‘i . . . . . . . . . 3Bits and Pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4MOP Spring Graduation . . . . 4 to 5QUEST, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Chemicals and Coral Reefs . . 7 to 9Volunteering, Scholarships

Employment, Internships . . . 10Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Coming up in the next issues...

Update on John CravenBook ReviewsSustainability at Coconut IslandFall MOP Fundraiser and Reunion

Seawords is the newsletter of the Marine Option Program at the University of Hawai‘i.It is published monthly (more or less).

Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Marine Option Program orof the University of Hawai‘i.

Suggestions and submissions are welcome. Submissions can include articles,photographs, art work, or pretty much anything that would be of interest to the marinecommunity in Hawai‘i and around the world.

Our web pages are located at .Our e-mail address is .The Seawords staff are:

Brian Richardson (Editor), Doreen Seaton (Assistant Editor)Elena Millard (Graphic artist), and Dr. Sherwood Maynard (éminence gris).

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