Every Thursday evening throughout the year the UH Sea Grant Hanauma Bay Education Program brings scientists and environmental leaders to share their work with the community in Hawai‘i.

The talks, which are always free to the public, share cutting edge research on a wide range of topics important to Hawai‘i and beyond. Throughout the month of June UH Sea Grant, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawai‘i Aquaculture Program, will host Hawai‘i’s leading aquaculture experts. The fascinating talks will highlight specific projects as well as provide an overview of the aquaculture industry in the state. Aquaculture, the farming of ocean and freshwater plants and animals for human consumption, totaled $32.3 million in 2009 in Hawai‘i and is important economically, culturally, and as a source of food for the state.

The June lectures include:

• June 2: “Aquaponics” by Glenn Martinez, Proprietor, Olomana Gardens
• June 9: “Aquaculture Activities in Hawai‘i” by Dr. Benny Ron, Aquaculture Program Coordinator, UH Aquaculture Program and Todd Low, Manager, Aquaculture Development Program, Hawai‘i State Department of Agriculture
• June 16: “The Mediterranean Monk Seal” by Alex Aguilar, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Pinniped Specialist Group*
• June 23: “Kona Blue” by Neil Sims, Co-Founder and Vice President of Research, Kona Blue Water Farms
• June 30: “Aquaculture Activities at Hawai‘i’s Natural Energy Laboratory”, Jan War, Operations Manager, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority

The events begin at 6:30 p.m. in the theater at the Hanauma Bay Education Center. Parking after 5:30 p.m. is free at the bay.

* this talk will not focus on aquaculture issues

Contact:  Cindy Knapman
Phone: (808) 956-7410
[email protected]

The Hanauma Bay Education Program is administered by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program with support and generous funding from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.

The University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program is part of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. It supports an innovative program of research, education and extension services directed to the improved understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine resources of the state, region and nation. Science serving Hawai’i and the Pacific for over 40 years.

(via press release from Reef Watch Waikiki)