Seawords June 2003

Sea

wo

rds

Jun

e, 2

003

Volu

me

XV

IIN

um

ber

6MOP Alumna Report-

Shannon AtkinsonStory by Doreen Seaton

On page 5 of the May Seawords, the captions were incorrect. The photograph on the left is of the Hawai‘iFish Co., operated by Ron Weidenbach, while the photograph on the right is of Jeff Koch at MokuleiaAquafarms. We apologize for the mistake (and for spelling Jeff's name incorrectly in the story).

MOP alumna Shannon (Crowell) Atkinson wasborn and raised on the island of Oahu, and she hasalso lived on Maui and the Big Island. Starting offat UH Mänoa, she was one of the first graduates toreceive a BA in the Animal Science Department.Since this department was relatively new, Shannonrecalls that she had the opportunity for a lot ofone-on-one attention with most of her professors.It is here where she also developed her publicspeaking skills. She started off at MOP, hearingabout the program from her mother, who had goneto college with MOP co-founder, John Craven.Her mother insisted that Shannon pursue MOPeven though she would be starting in her senioryear. Soon enough, she received her certificate inthe Fall of 1981. Her skills project was entitled“Freshwater Prawn Aquaculture.” She laterreturned to UH Mänoa for a Masters in AnimalScience, and then headed off to MurdochUniversity in Western Australia for a PhD inVeterinary Studies.

After her college career, she worked for 10years with recovery teams for monk seals andgreen sea turtles. Currently, Shannon is a professorof Marine Studies at the University of Alaska andthe Science Director at the Alaska Sea Life Center,in Seward. Her job involves maintaining marineresearch, helping to rehabilitate wildlife, andeducating the public on environmental issues.

Shannon’s current research focuses onunderstanding why species fail to adapt. Some ofthe species she is studying include the Steller sealion, harbor seals, and arctic sea ducks. TheSteller sea lion is a challenging project because ofthe many diverse theories proposed for thedramatic population decline over the last thirtyyears. Explanations include reduced food qualityor abundance, increased predation, fluctuations inthe environment that may occur natually, disease,and environmental contamination.

With funding from NOAA, NMFS, and thePollock Conservation Cooperative ResearchCenter at the University of Alaska Fairbanks,Shannon is hoping that her research project willaid in the recovery of the Steller sea lions.

With over 23 different projects that she facesdaily, understanding the culture of the Alaskannatives is her favorite goal. Here she learns aboutthe customs and traditions of the natives, and theirimpacts on marine environment for further studies.

Although Shannon has a busy life in Alaska,she comes down to Hawai‘i every few months tosupport her Master students at the Hawai‘i Instituteof Marine Biology (HIMB) on Coconut Island, aswell as to work on her current research in Hawai‘i.Her husband, Marlin, is an HIMB professorstationed in Alaska.

On one of her trips to HIMB, I was able tocatch up with Shannon and interview her for thisarticle. A MOP alumna for over twenty years,Shannon has maintained a passion for the ocean,for the study and protection of wildlife, and for herstudents.

To contact Shannon, you can e-mail her at<shannon_atkinson@alaskasealife.org>. For moreinformation about the Alaska Sea Life Center, youcan visit their website at <http://www.alaskasealife.org>.

Shannon Atkinson at home in Hawai‘i. She isnow a professor of Marine Studies at theUniversity of Alaska.

Seawords June 2003

UH Mänoa . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: 956-8433e-mail: <mop@hawaii.edu>

web: <http://www2.hawaii.edu/mop/>

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

email: <uhhmop@hawaii.edu>web: <http://www.uhhmop.hawaii.edu/>

UH West Oahu . . . . . Telephone: 454-4715e-mail: <hodgson@hawaii.edu>

Honolulu CC . . . . . . . . Telephone: 847-9824e-mail: <gopalk@hcc.hawaii.edu>

Kauai CC . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: 245-8251e-mail: <bushnell@hawaii.edu>

Kapiolani CC . . . . . . . . Telephone: 734-9389e-mail: <moeng@hawaii.edu>

Leeward CC . . . . . . . . Telephone: 455-0286e-mail: <fstanton@hawaii.edu>

<http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/mop>

Maui CC . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: 984-3203e-mail: <donnabro@hawaii.edu>

web: <http://www.coralreefs.hawaii.edu/mccmop/mop.html>

Windward CC . . . . . . Telephone: 236-9118e-mail: <wccmop@hawaii.edu>

web: <http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/mop>

June 11th Kamehameha Day (Holiday).

July 3rd Summer Session I ends.

July 4th Independence Day (Holiday).

July 7th Summer Session II begins.

August 15th Admission Day (Holiday).

August 21st Fall MOP Coordinators Meeting atWindward Community College.

August 25th First Day of Instruction.

SeawordsVolume XVII, Number 6, June, 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: <Seawords@hawaii.edu>

Web site: <http://www2.hawaii.edu/mop/>

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 thefish , and maintaining the aquarium. If you will be availablethis summer, please contact Anders Jonsson by e-mail at<ajonsson@hawaii.edu>.

Doak Cox ObituaryIt is with great sadness that we inform you that Doak Cox

passed away on Sunday, April 20th, 2003. Doak, picturedabove (left) with Walt Dudley, was considered to be the“father of tsunami research.” Even while undergoing treatmentfor bone cancer for several years, he remained active in histsunami research, in compiling a catalog of Hawai‘i’s historicearthquake data, and in working with others around Hawai‘iand the world

Last year, Doak was presented with a lifetime acheivementaward by the Hawai‘i Academy of Science, an organization ofwhich he had been the president twice. For over fifty years,Doak wrote articles, reports, and books on tsunamis andearthquakes in Hawai‘i and around the Pacific.

Doak was also an inspiration to many in the local scientificcommunity. Walt Dudley, a professor of Marine Science at UHHilo and author of Tsunami!, recalled one episode from 1995when he was presenting on tsunamis in Hawai‘i as a keynoteaddress to the local Sigma Xi Chapter. Doak was in theaudience and, after the talk, came up to Walt to offer his praiseand encouragement. He then pointed out a few errors in thepaper. As Walt noted, “Not all great experts are so gracious.”

Services will be held on Monday, June 9th, 2003, 4:30p.m., at the Honolulu Friends Meeting House on 2426 OahuAvenue. No flowers. Donations may be made to: HonoluluFriends Meeting.

As Walt said, “He was an inspiration to many of us in thetsunami field.”

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin obituary forDoak can be found at: <http://starbulletin.com/2003/05/03/news/story8.html>.

Planning for MOP Reunion, Fall 2004We are in the early stages of planning a MOP reunion for Fall2003. If you are interested in helping plan the event, pleasecontact the Mänoa MOP office.

Seawords June 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. For more informationon these and other events, visit the Waikiki Aquarium’s website at: <http://www.waquarium.org>.

Marine Science AquanautsJune 9 to June 13, July 28 to August 1stMonday to Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pmThis specialized week-long marine biology class for students, 8 to14 years of age, features in-the-water and in-the-lab experiences. Agood portion of each session is spent face down in the water,observing and learning about marine life. Students will work in ageappropriate groups and need to be reasonable swimmers andsnorkelers to participate (able to swim and be comfortable with asnorkel). Class size is limited. Pre-registration required: $250/child($200 for members).

Small FryWednesdays, June 18th to July 16th8:30 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).

Exploring the Reef by DaySaturday, June 14th, Sunday June 29th, 8:00 to 10:30 amIn 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).

Hanauma Bay Evening TalksJune 12th, 2003 — Coral Spawningby Dave Gulko, the Division of Aquatic Resources

June 26th, 2003— Aquaculture and on-going OceanicInstitute Researchby Gary Karr, The Oceanic Institute

July 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 opento the general public and free of charge. Please call ShawnCarrier at phone: 397-5840; e-mail<carrier@hawaii.edu>if you have any questions.

National Marine Sanctuary (Maui)Free Lecture SeriesTuesday, June 17th, 2003 — 7:00 p.m.Nä Mea Pä‘ani Kahiko O Ka ‘Öiwi Hawai‘i

(The ancient sports of Hawai‘i)by Tom Stone, Lecturer in Hawaiian StudiesThe ancient sport of Hawai‘i, with a focus on he‘enalu (surfing) andhe‘eholua (mountain surfing), will be featured. Tom will trace thechanges of these ancient sports before and after European contact andwith the end of the kapu system in 1819. For more information, contactRhonda Van Wingerden at phone: 879-2818; e-mail<Rhonda.VanWingerden@noaa.gov>.

Kamehameha Schools Honors MarineScience Institute-AquacultureJune 19 through July 25, 7:45 am to 2:45 pmThis Honors course will focus on research methods and techniques forconducting marine studies. Twelve students will explore the frontiersof marine research through the applied science of aquaculture. If youare a high school student who has had Biology and Chemistry, contactLaura Duffy at e-mail <laduffy@ksbe.edu>; Kamehameha Schools, 210Konia Circle, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, 96817.

Summer Courses for TeachersEarth Science for Elementary Teachers WorkshopJune 17th to 20th, 2003, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Physical 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 <http://www.biology.hawaii.edu/summer2003>.Details are also available on page 55 of the UH Mänoa Summer SchoolCatalog.

Water Quality Sampling DaySaturday, June 7th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pmThe Friends of He‘eia State Park. Bring your friends and family to learnabout the He‘eia watershed. You will be able to learn how differentwater quality parameters are tested and receive informational packetson caring for the environment you live in. If you have any questionsplease call 247-3156.

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<http://www.mauioceancenter.com>.

Seawords June 2003

The 20th Annual MOP Student Skill ProjectSymposium was held April 19-20, 2003 at MauiCommunity College. Students from Hilo, Mänoa, andWindward found no trouble in traveling to the beautifulisland of Maui for a weekend of MOP fun. Thesymposium began on Saturday morning, with MauiCommunity College faculty coordinator Donna Brownintroducing the keynote speaker.

Since MOP plays such an interactive role in the oceanenvironment, and because of the Earth Day weekend, it’sno wonder why Hannah Bernard, Marine Biologist andconsultant to The Nature Conservancy, was chosen asthe keynote speaker. Hannah set the tone for the day asshe spoke on her topic “The Late Great Planet Earth:The ‘See it Before it’s Gone’ vs. ‘Save it’ Dilemma.” Shelooks back to the time when she was a child in the 60’sand 70’s and reminisced on the era when conservationand preservation began as a worldwide movement. Thiswas the period when the nation’s landmarkenvironmental legislation was passed (e.g., theEndangered Species Act, Marine Mammal ProtectionAct, Clean Air and Clean Water Acts) to protect theintegrity and health of our environment and to promotethe recovery of endangered species.

During her presentation, Hannah showed a clip froma speech given by Bobby Kennedy Jr., the keynotespeaker at the Clean Oceans Conference held on Kaua‘iin 1997. Kennedy, senior attorney for the NationalResources Defense Council, asked the world to lookaround at its environment, and act fast before it all slipsaway.

Hannah admires this particular speech, and BobbyKennedy Jr. as an inspiration. She mentioned how “hearticulates so beautifully that the cost of not taking careof our environment is literally unbearable with hiscitations of examples of countries that did not followAmerica's lead in the '70's.”

Hannah also spoke of the biodiversity as an issue, inwhich you have to ‘see it’ in order to ‘save it’. It iscrucial to be part of the solution, not part of the problem

— to aspire to live lighter instead of living interms of the "larger is better" ideology. Hawai‘iis home to one of the most nationally

MOP Student Skill ProjectSymposium at Maui CCby Doreen Seaton and Elena Millard

recognized endemism sites; this is why we need to takeaction to save the treasures that abide in our islands. It ispredicted by biologists that coral reefs and rainforestswill no longer be as bountiful as they are today. The fearis that generations to come will have little to hold on to.

One piece of advice that Hannah offered to MOPstudents comes from ex-Black Panther leader EldridgeCleaver: “if you're not part of the solution, you're part ofthe problem.” She recommends that if you are going tobe in the conservation field, use your scientific trainingand will to make balanced decisions, and once again- bepart of the solution. The conservation field needs all thegood scientists it can get, and because of her scientifictraining, this is why she is so effective in her work.

For more information about what Hannah is up to,you can e-mail her at <wild@aloha.net>.

Clyde Sakamoto, Maui CC executive director, spokeof the new assets to the school and MOP, to headtowards the movement of protecting the world. Addingto Hannah’s talk, Sakamoto suggested actions for all totake, one being the new preservation establishment,“Global Islands Network.” This non-profit organization’smission is to “conduct and promote culturallyappropriate, ecologically sound, economicallysustainable and socially equitable development onislands worldwide.” For more information about GlobalIslands Network’s and their education resources, you canvisit their website at <http://www.globalislands.net>.

Hannah Bernard,Marine Biologist andconsultant to TheNature Conservancy,was the keynotespeaker at this year’sMOP Symposium.

John Coney’s pictures from the Symposium are atUH Hilo MOP: <http://www.uhhmop.hawaii.edu/MOPspringsymposium2003/index.htm>.

Seawords June 2003

Award recipients from the 2003 MOP Symposium (from left to right): Fred Farrell, Torsten Heinen,Maki Kurihara, Lauren 'Ku'ulei' Vickery, Jackie Holbrook, and Meredith Acly.

Presentations began after the greetings from Maui CCMOP faculty coordinator Donna Brown, and MOPDirector Sherwood Maynard. This year, 25 studentscame to the symposium with either a research, poster, orinternship presentation. Students from all campusesdemonstrated a high level of skill and a devoted amountof time and effort into their skill project. It seemed thatthis year, students really focused on marineconservation, and were really concerned with keeping aclose eye on all of the resources we have in the ocean.Our students are our future for maintaining the oceanenvironment. It was clearly presented in the symposiumthat they are ready for the challenge and are wellprepared for all their future responsibilities.

At each symposium, a number of awards andscholarships are granted to those who qualify. Theseinclude, Internship Category Winner, Research CategoryWinner, Dr. John P. Craven Award, PACONInternational, Anna Toy Ng Memorial MOP Scholarship,and the new Best Poster award.

This year there was a tie for the InternshipCategory Winner, received by Maki Kurihara of UHMänoa, and Lauren ‘Ku’ulei’ Vickery of Windward CC.Maki’s internship, entitled “Whale and DolphinWatching Tour Guide: Being a Naturalist of the Ocean,”involved her speaking Japanese to guests, explaining the

animals seen on their excursion. In order to participate inthe internship, Maki needed to get certified in lifeguardtraining, to ensure guest safety on the boat. Lauren’sinternship entitled, “Conservation of Hawksbill Turtles”consisted of a field study where she protected turtlehatchlings from predators, and guided them through theirhatching to make sure they were going in the rightdirection.

Meredith F. Acly from UH Hilo received the title ofResearch Presentation Award. In her project, “TheEffects of Introduced Fish Species on the EndemicShrimp of Anchialine Ponds,” she surveyed 13 ponds ona monthly basis, comparing the density of shrimp inponds with and without introduced fish. She concludedthat introduced fish reduce or eliminate the shrimppopulation .

Torsten W. Heinen of UH Mänoa received both BestPoster Award and the PACON International Awards. Thelatter is presented for best paper integrating marinescience and technology with a Pacific focus. Torsten’sproject, “Using High Resolution LIDAR Data forShoreline Extraction” was presented with a poster. TheLIDAR-System is a new airborne mappingtechnology that can help the study of shoreline

continued on next page ...

Seawords June 2003

The Presenters at thisyear’s MOP Symposium

Maui Community CollegeRichard F. Bruck, Invertebrate Recruitment

Comparisons in Kahului Harbor and MalaWharf, Maui

Rich L. Brunner, The Distribution and Abundance ofFish in Kealia Pond, Maui

Catherine S. Knowlton, Water Quality, PlanktonComposition and Ocypode pallidula Patterns atTwo Nourished Beaches on Maui

Windward Community CollegeFrederick L. Farrell, A Coral Reef Mapping and

Assessment of a Section of Kaneohe Bay UsingAdvanced Technological Methods

Erin S. Green, Hawaiian Monk Seal Digital IDDatabase

Ethan L. Morgan, Aquaculture of Hawaiian MarineInvertebrates for the Ornamental Trade

Lauren ‘Ku’ulei’ Vickery, Conservation of HawksbillTurtles

UH HiloMeredith F. Acly, The Effects of Introduced Fish

Species on the Endemic Shrimp of AnchiallinePonds

Kristin M. Britton, Is There a Relation BetweenOkadaic Acid Content, DinoflagellatePopulations, Seaweeds and FibropapillomaTumor Severity in Green Sea Turtles?

James L. Gunderson, Sign Language for SCUBADiving

Jackalyn L. Holbrook, Using Semi-permeableMembrane Devices (SPMDs) to MonitorNearshore Marine Waters for Organic Pollutantson the Island of Hawai‘i

Megan G. Juran, Elementary Marine Education: ATeaching Aid (Internship)

Joe Laughlin (along with Brian D. Greene, UHM),Eo Aelon Kein Lometo Melan, The MarshallIsland’s Marine Environments: Creating anEducational Underwater Documentary

Sarah M. McCutcheon, A Nutritional Analysis of theDiet and Fecal Pellets of the Green Turtle,Chelonia mydas, at Kaloko-Honokohau NationalHistorical Park, Hawai‘i

UH Mänoa MOP student Torsten Heinen, winner of thePACON International and Best Poster awards, talks withDr. Craven at the poster presentation.

change. Torsten’s research tested the accuracy of thissystem in mapping shorelines on Maui.

Dr. John P. Craven proudly presented his CravenAward, which is awarded annually to the most inspiredand inspirational presentation by a MOP “Child of theSea” to Frederick L. Farrell of Windward CC. Fred’sproject, “A Coral Reef Mapping and Assessment of aSection of Kaneohe Bay Using Advanced TechnologicalMethods,” was conducted to determine whether or notthere are significant differences in habitat compositionbetween the reef lagoon, reef slope, and the reef flatstrata of a south Kaneohe Bay fringing reef. Throughouthis project, Fred acquired the knowledge and thetechnical skills to participate in coral reef mappingassessment activities.

The Anna Toy Ng Memorial MOP Scholarship wasawarded to Jackalyn L. Holbrook of UH Hilo. Thisscholarship is awarded annually to a MOP student for

marine scholarship, ocean stewardship andcontributions to MOP. Along with being Hilo’s

Seawords June 2003

Tracy L. McMullen, Quantitative Analysis of Micro-Plastic Debris on Beaches Throughout theHawaiian Archipelago

Michelle R. Popek, Gastropod Ectoparasites(Eulimidae) on Hawaiian Sea Cucumbers(Holothuridae)

UH MänoaKeeley A. Belva, Hawaiian Islands Humpback

Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean CountSites on Hawai‘i

Michael E. Doig, A Video of the Twenty-five MostAbundant Fish Species at Puako Reef

Kauaoa M. S. Fraiola, Macrofauna that UtilizeRhizophora mangle Habitats Along theSouthwest Shore of Molokai (Poster)

Brian D. Greene (along with Joe Laughlin, UHHilo), Eo Aelon Kein Lometo Melan, TheMarshall Island Marine Environments: Creatingan Educational Underwater Documentary

Torsten W. Heinen, Using High-Resolution LIDARData Shoreline Extraction (Poster)

Cody B. Hooven, A Sociological Study: HumanInteractions with Sea Turtles, (Esp. Cheloniamydas) on the Island of Oahu, Hawai‘i

Maki Kurihara, Whale and Dolphin Watching TourGuide: Being a Naturalist of the Ocean

Elena V. Millard, Marine Graphics for Seawords(Portfolio)

Kristi M. Muhic, A Potential Method of ReducingDolphin and Porpoise Entanglement in FishingNets (Poster)

Ronald B. Tanaka, Directed Evolution ofSesquiterpene Synthesis in Eschericia coli

Student Coordinator Jackie Holbrook, FacultyCoordinator Mike Parsons, and student presenterKristin Britton, all from UH Hilo, on their way toLanai. Photo by John Coney

student coordinator for MOP, and taking a rigorous classschedule, Jackie participated in this year’s symposiumwith her project, “Using Semi Permeable MembraneDevices (SPMDs) to Monitor Nearshore Marine Watersfor Organic Pollutants on the Island of Hawai‘i.”

Following the presentations of the awards, the videoAelon Kein Lometo Melan: The Marshall Island MarineEnvironments was available for viewing. Created byMOP students Brian D. Greene and Joe Laughlin, thevideo offered an accurate overview of the major marinehabitats in the Marshall Islands.

After the video viewing, the MOP Coordinatorsmeeting took place. Some major issues were discussed atthe meeting, along with reminders and calendar notes.First on the list was Kahoolawe — the summer survey ison hold.

Dave Pence reported that the Diving Safety Officeneeds a new MOP representative for Diving ControlBoard.

A system-wide MOP fundraiser will be organizedover this summer, and will be held in the fall.

Finally, the next coordinator’s meeting will take placeThursday, August 21st, 2003 at Windward CC. The nextStudent Symposium will be on Saturday, April 17th,2004 at Windward CC, with a field trip on Sunday, April18th. Oral presentations will be limited to 16, withadditional poster and portfolio presentations.

On Easter Sunday, students had an early rise to theday as we checked out of our hotel rooms and headed offto the Lahaina loading dock to board the Trilogy I. Withthe sun shining above us, we cruised out to the island ofLanai. Everyone speculated on which parts of the islandwould be good snorkeling spots. Our captain for the dayshowed us the beautiful geologic features of Lanai, andtold us of Hawaiian tales as we motored along the coast.Although the Lanai trip was not originally planned aspart of the Symposium, MOP students, staff and facultyenjoyed themselves on the boat excursion.

As Sherwood Maynard said, “The weekend was animpressive showcase of MOP student accomplishmentsfrom throughout the UH system. As our 20th annualsymposium, it aged the older faculty a bit as theyreflected back through these years, but everyone’s spiritswere restored by a beautiful Trilogy cruise and snorkeloff Lanai, capping the time shared among students, staff,family and friends. We are all grateful to the hard workof our MCC MOP hosts who put it all together.”

Seawords June 2003

The Annual Spring Initiation Banquet of the University ofHawai‘i Chapter of the Scientific Research Society, Sigma Xi,was held at Treetops Restaurant on Tuesday April 29. Thekeynote address, entitled “The Heat is On: Making El NiñoForecasts Work,” was given by Dr. Nancy Lewis, Director ofResearch at the East-West Center and Dr. Michael Hamnett,Director of the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa’s SocialScience Research Institute.

Sigma Xi is an international research association thatsupports and encourages research in science and technology,brings together future scientists and teachers, and emphasizesthe important role that scientific achievement has had onsociety.

The collaborative project of Lewis and Hamnett examinesthe relationship between human health in the Pacific IslandsRegion and the climate variability associated with ENSO.

The El Niño/Southern Oscillation or ENSO cycle usuallylasts from three to seven years. Southern Oscillation is thenatural shift in relative surface air pressure as measured atDarwin, Australia and the island of Tahiti in the South Pacific.The warming event of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, ElNiño, and the colder phase, La Niña, are the two extremes ofocean conditions that are linked to shifts in the SouthernOscillation.

El Niño and La Niña events vary in strength, but they cancause large-scale changes in atmospheric and ocean current

Sigma Xi Banquetby Elena Millard

Mud Volcanoes from the Mantle!Follow SOEST researchers online as they explore active serpentinemud volcanoes in the Mariana forearc on the R/V Thomas Thompson.Visit: <http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/expeditions>.

Hawai‘i Aquaculture AssociationIn addition to the public pages, the site also includes a members onlyarea where members can post free ads & notices. The site is locatedat: <http://www.hiaqua.org>.

Pew Oceans Commission ReportOn June 4, the Pew Oceans Commission released its report on thestate of America’s living oceans, the first comprehensive review ofU.S. ocean policy in more that 30 years. This landmark report providesrecommendations for restoring and protecting ocean ecosystems,

rebuilding fish populations, controlling coastaldevelopment, curbing pollution, and improving oceangovernance. For more information, visit: <http://www.pewoceans.org>.

Bits and PiecesFrom the Web

patterns, including the movement of warmer surface water inthe Pacific Ocean farther east than normal. The changes inwind patterns, rainfall, and atmospheric conditions associatedwith the El Niño phase of this global weather event can haveprofound effects on wildlife and society.

El Niño was first recognized by fisherman off the coast ofSouth America as a periodically occurring warm current in thePacific Ocean. Trade winds, blowing from the Southeast(south of the equator) and Northeast (north of the equator)normally produce rich nutrient upwellings essential forproductive fishing grounds. During El Niño, however, windsslacken and surface waters are warmed in the eastern Pacific.Effects in pronounced years include devasted fisheries in someareas, as well as changes in weather patterns throughout theworld.

The Pacific ENSO Applications Center (PEAC) iscommitted to providing forecast and climate information andis a joint venture of the University of Hawai‘i, the Universityof Guam, the Pacific Basin Development Council and the USNational Weather Service. PEAC is looking at ways to predictsimilar events, conducting research, and preparing informationto help Pacific island communities and their economies toprepare for possible weather disasters, which include droughts,floods, and tropical cyclones, all of which are associated withthe ENSO.

More information on El Niño can be found at the NOAAwebsite: <http://www.ogp.noaa.gov/enso>.

The Aegean Center for MarineEnvironmental EducationThe Aegean Institute offers courses in marine archaeology for collegeor university students and individuals as well as groups with a keeninterest in this fascinating subject. The Center can be accessed throughthe Institute’s website, located at: <http://www.aegeaninstitute.org>.

Ethics Program Receives AwardThe American Society of Association Executives has elected Sigma Xito its 2003 Associations Advance America Honor Roll for ongoingprogrammatic efforts in research ethics. The award recognizesassociations that propel America forward — with innovative projectsin education, skills training, standards-setting, business and socialinnovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service.For more information on this award, visit <http://www.sigmaxi.org/about/news/ethics.shtml>.

Exploration of the Oceans:An Online Virtual Teacher Workshop SeriesThe National Geographic Society and NOAA’s Office of OceanExploration are hosting a virtual teacher workshop series that will rununtil the end of December. Scientific experts will present keynotelectures and be available for an open dialogue. Teachers will be providedwith relevant information for their classrooms. For more informationand to register, visit <http://www.coexploration.org/ceo>.

Seawords June 2003

UH MänoaUndergraduateResearch and CreativeProjects Symposium

UH Mänoa MOP students Ronald Tanaka, Elena Millard, andMary Miura, took part in the 2003 presentation of theUndergraduate Research and Creative Projects Symposium,which was held at the East-West Center’s Hawai‘i IminInternational Conference Center on April 26th . The conference wassponsored by the Honors Program of the University of Hawai‘i atMänoa, the Marine Option Program, the Global EnvironmentalScience Program, Space Grant, Land Grant, Sea Grant, and theOffice of the Mänoa Chancellor. Over 70 students from manydifferent departments were given the opportunity to present theirmentored research projects and creative works and endeavors.

Tanaka, a Biology and English major, presented a researchproject he took part in as an MSURF intern with MarBEC, underthe mentorship of Jay Keasling, titled the “Directed Evolution ofSesquiterpene Synthesis in Eschericia coli.”

Millard, a Zoology major, showcased a creative collection ofocean related watercolors and pencil drawings for her project titled“Sea Realms: Marine Illustrations for Seawords,” that shecompleted under the mentorship of Dr. Sherwood Maynard andBrian Richardson of the Marine Option Program.

Drawing of PennantButterflyfish, Heniochus

diphreutes, by ElenaMillard

Elena Millard, the Graphic Artist forSeawords, displays her drawings atthe Undergraduate ResearchSyposium.

Miura, a Secondary Education major,displayed her project titled “Web-BasedScience Curriculum.” She worked with hermentor, E. Barbara Klemm, to develop anunderstandable, Internet-based curriculum ofmarine and space education resources forsecondary grade levels.

Congratulations for all the hard work.More information on the Research

Symposium can be found at: <http://undergradsymposium.higp.hawaii.edu>. TheStar-Bulletin story can be found at <http://starbulletin.com/2003/04/27/news/story13.html>

Seawords June 2003

EMPLOYMENTSenior Exhibit Production andMaintenance TechnicianMonterey Bay AquariumCandidite will need versatile skills and advanceknowledge for the design, production,fabrication, installation and maintenance of acomplex and diverse array of exhibit graphicsand presentation techniques and components; andlighting technology, products and electricalsystems. This is a two-year position. For moreinformation, visit <http://www.mbayaq.org/aa/aa_jobs/jobs_staf_opening.asp>

Lecturer 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<gopalk@hcc.hawaii.edu>.

Scientific Research AssociateAlaska SeaLife CenterCandidate will assist in the development andapplication of innovative tools and techniques forremotely monitoring the behavior and physiologyof Steller sea lions and other research activities.Send resume and references to: HR — AlaskaSeaLife Center, P.O. Box 1329, Seward, AK99664-1329, or fax to (907) 224-6320, or e-mailto <human_resources@alaskasealife.org>. Formore information on the Center, visit <http://www.alaskasealife.org>.

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 resourceprotection law, science, and policy. Applicationmaterials should be emailed to <law@eli.org>(with the subject line "Policy Analyst Search")or mailed to: Policy Analyst Search,Environmental Law Institute, 1616 P Street, NW,Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036. Positioncloses September 10, 2003. For information,search for the job at < http://www.idealist.org>.

Dolphin Research Center, FloridaThis is an entry level position and the primaryjob function is to support the department withon-going research projects at the Center. Currentinvestigations involve behavior, cognition, andcommunications systems of the dolphins and sealions that reside permanently at DRC. Moreinformation about the facility can be found at

<http://www.dolphins.org>. E-mailresume to <drc-hr@dolphins.org>. The positioncloses June 20th, 2003.

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.

Oceanic Institute InternshipOceanic Institute is looking for two researchassistants and one research technician, for theCentral Analytical Laboratory. At least aBachelor's in a science field is required and OIwill provide training for any duties necessary.Resumes can be mailed to The Oceanic Institute,Attn: S. Divakaran, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy.,Waimanalo, HI 96795. Dr. Divakaran can alsobe contacted by phone at (808) 259-3130 and bye-mail at <divakaran@oceanicinstitute.org>.

ArchaeologistT. S. Dye & Colleagues, Archaeologists, Inc.would like to hire a B.A. level archaeologist withexperience in Hawai‘i. The successful applicantwill be able to identify and record traditionalHawaiian and historic features withoutsupervision, keep detailed notes, completeHAZWOPER training if needed, and write short,descriptive reports. Letters of interest and resumesshould be sent to Tom Dye at e-mail<tsd@tsdye.com> or to T. S. Dye & Colleagues,Archaeologists, Inc., 735 Bishop Street, Suite315, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, 96813; phone: 387-9352.

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 <dpence@hawaii.edu.

VOLUNTEERINGMonitors at Tern, French FrigateShoals, and Laysan IslandsThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is lookingfor a few good volunteers for field stations atTern, French Frigate Shoals, and Laysan Islands.These islands are essential nesting areas for 20species of seabirds and Hawaiian green sea turtlesand are the principal pupping grounds for theHawaiian monk seal. Work at the stationsincludes monitoring and banding migratory andresident seabirds, shorebirds, and endangeredland birds, alien plant eradication, native plantpropagation and out-planting, at times some seaturtle work, data collection and entry, and up to50% facilities and 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: <Dominique_Aycock@fws.gov>.

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:<gkarr@oceanicinstitute.org>. For moreinformation, visit the Oceanic Institute websiteat <http://www.oceanicinstitute.org>.

SCHOLARSHIPSSigma Xi Research GrantsHeads up for the October 15th deadline for SigmaXi Grants in Aid of Research. Information canbe obtained from <http://www.sigmaxi.org>.

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 <http://www.aauw.org/fga/index.cfm>.

Seawords June 2003

CONFERENCES &CALLS FOR PAPERSPACON 2003 — Has been DelayedJune 29th to July 2nd, 2003 — Kaohsiung, TaiwanAlthough Kaohsiung was safe from SARS, other parts of Taiwan werenot. PACON 2003 Regional Symposium has been postponed toNovember 30-December 3, 2003, subject to SARS clearance by theWHO and the CDC.

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

For more information, visit the conference website at <http://www2.hawaii.edu/scb> or contact Claudia Hamblin-Katnik, Hawai‘iConservation Alliance; e-mail: <katnik@hawaii.edu>; 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 <http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cz2003>.

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 <http://www.qdio.ac.cn/english/meeting>.

American Fisheries SocietyAugust 10th to 14th, 2003 — Quebec City, CanadaFor information, visit <http://www.fisheries.org/apa_symposium/homepage.htm>.

Congress on the History of OceanographySeptember 8th to 14th, 2003 — RussiaThe Kaliningrad Museum of the World Ocean is hosting this conference.For details , visit<http://www.vitiaz.ru/congress/en/index.html>.

Estuarine Research Federation ConferenceSeptember 14th to 18th, 2003 — Seattle, WAThe conference will consider the coming together of ocean forces,influences of the land, and the activities of humans. The attributes andinfluences on Pacific Rim estuaries will provide a special focus for theconference. For more information, contact Joy Bartholomew at e-mail<jbarth@erf.org> or visit <http://www.erf.org>.

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:<marine@cc.tuat.ac.jp> or visit <http://www.tuat.ac.jp/~marine>.

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 <http://www.Oceans2003.com>.

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 <http://www.aamh.asn.au>.

Hawai‘i Summit-to-Sea 2003: Global Strategies forIntegrated Ocean & Coastal Resources Management

October 26th to 29th, 2003— Honolulu, HIThe conference will link people, resources, knowledge, and culture toprovide opportunities to achieve an integrated ocean and coastalresources management strategy for Hawaii and the global community.For more information, visit: <http://www.hawaiiormp.com>.

Wetlands Workshop, 2003: Wetland HydrologyOctober 27th to 31st, 2003— Atlantic City, NJFor more information, visit <http://www.wetlandsworkgroup.org>.

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 <http://isrse.pdc.org>.

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 <http://www.emecs2003.com>.

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 <http://www.hssonline.org> Theorganizers can be reached at e-mail <meeting@hssonline.org>.

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 <http://www.cawthron.org.nz/habtech03.htm>.

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 <http://www.hawaii.edu/pacon/2003Table.html>.

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 <http://www.fuzeventreg.com/sha>.

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 <http://www.tos.org/2004OceanResearchConference.htm> orcontact Helen Schneider Lemay at phone: (254) 776-3550; e-mail<helens@sgmeet.com>.

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

For more information, visit <http://www.was.org/meetings/WasMeetings.asp>.

Seawords June 2003

ContentsMOP Alumna Report —

Shannon Atkinson . . . . . . . . . . 1MOP Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Events Around Hawai‘i . . . . . . . . . 3Bits and Pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4MOP Symposium on

Maui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 to 7Sigma Xi Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8UH Mänoa Undergraduate

Research and CreativeProjects Symposium . . . . . . . 9

Volunteering, ScholarshipsEmployment, Internships . . . 10

Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Coming up in the next issues...

MOP Spring GraduationCyanide FishingUpdate on John CravenAward for Dr. Gopal

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 <http://www2.hawaii.edu/mop>.Our e-mail address is <seawords@hawaii.edu>.The Seawords staff are:

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

Jun

e, 2

003

University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa

Seawords • Marine Option ProgramCollege of Natural Sciences2525 Correa Road, HIG 214Honolulu, HI 96822-2219

Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. Postage

PAIDHonolulu, HI.

Permit No. 278

Chambered nautilusNautilus belauensis

Drawing by Elena Millard