The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has finalized a strategic reorganization moving the within the (SOEST) to strengthen research synergies while maintaining dedication to the conservation of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s unique natural environment.

The Waikīkī Aquarium’s public offerings, including educational programs, conservation efforts, and community engagement, will remain unchanged. These adjustments are designed to enhance operations and more closely integrate the aquarium’s public mission with the university’s research objectives.

“This reorganization represents a commitment to the long-term sustainability of the Waikīkī Aquarium as a beloved public-facing institution,” ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “By moving the aquarium into a more robust research framework, we are ensuring it remains a premier site for marine conservation while maintaining the excellence and educational programming the community has come to expect.”

A living laboratory

The Waikīkī Aquarium reorganization into SOEST aims to create a more cohesive framework for marine science education and community service.

“Bringing the Waikīkī Aquarium into SOEST strengthens a powerful bridge between research, education, and community engagement—transforming it into a living laboratory where world-class science directly connects with the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific,” SOEST Dean Chip Fletcher said.

The move will integrate the Aquarium’s public education and service mission with SOEST’s marine life laboratory initiatives and research capabilities.

“As the state’s trusted window into Pacific marine life, the synergy created by anchoring the WaikĪkĪ Aquarium within SOEST will not only enhance the stewardship and research stories that the Aquarium is able to share with our community, but will provide even greater opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience in marine husbandry and conservation,” Waikīkī Aquarium Acting Director Judith D. Lemus said.

The reorganization from the Office of the Provost is reported to be cost-neutral, with no additional funds or positions requested. Current employees at Waikīkī Aquarium will remain in their existing positions and structures, ensuring continuity of service for the public and the university community.

The , a beacon of marine education and conservation for over a century, is marking its 122nd anniversary in March. Under the new leadership of Interim Director Judy Lemus, the institution is embarking on a period of revitalization, with innovative exhibits, strategic collaborations, and a continued commitment to the unique aquatic ecosystems of Hawaiʻi and the tropical Pacific.

The aquarium will host a 122nd birthday celebration on March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day kicks off with a community coastal cleanup followed by a suite of family-friendly activities.

A new chapter

Lemus brings a wealth of experience in marine facility management, research, and education. Lemus served for four years as the interim director of the (HIMB) within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (SOEST) and is currently the interim associate dean for academic affairs in SOEST. Her primary focus at the aquarium is on operational improvements and enhancing the institutionʻs role in education, marine conservation, collaborative research, and community engagement.

“Managing the Waikīkī Aquarium is about more than just animal husbandry; it’s also about our engagement with the public and contribution to conservation of Pacific species, and our role as a public outlet for ����Vlog�ٷ� research,” said Lemus. “As we celebrate 122 years, we are not just honoring our history, but building the systems, facilities, and stories that will carry us through the next century.”

One major accomplishment under her leadership has been the successful return of Hōʻailona, the beloved Hawaiian monk seal, to his refurbished enclosure.

New and upcoming exhibits:

• The Aquaculture Tank: In partnership with Biota, a local aquaculture company, this exhibit will feature fish and coral raised entirely in aquaculture facilities at the Oceanic Institute and Waikīkī Aquarium. This “no-collection” model highlights sustainable trade and will also showcase 3-D structures from HIMB researcher Josh Madin’s Lab that facilitate coral growth.
• The Edge of Reef Redesign: Formerly an iconic outdoor exhibit, the Edge of Reef was dismantled to make way for a critical infrastructure project. A redesign is planned for this exhibit with support from ����Vlog�ٷ�, the ����Vlog�ٷ� Foundation, and the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium.
• New Tank for Mullet and More: The large tank that previously featured mullet, a species revered in Hawaiʻi as a staple food and in loko ʻia (Hawaiian fishpond) aquaculture, is being dismantled to make way for a modern habitat. The new enclosure may house mullet and possibly other compatible species such as rays or sea turtles.
• The aquarium is planning new collaborations with a variety of ����Vlog�ٷ� faculty and labs to help bring their work to broader audiences.
• AZA Accreditation: The aquarium is starting a Pathway Toward Membership program with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard in accreditation for zoos and aquariums, with the goal of achieving AZA accreditation for Waikīkī Aquarium in about 5 years.

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After several years away, ��ōʻ�������DzԲ�, the Hawaiian monk seal, is returning to the at a special homecoming party on September 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

��ōʻ�������DzԲ�, whose name means “a sign from the sea,” has been a favorite among aquarium guests for more than a decade. Affectionately known as ��ōʻ��, this monk seal serves as a charismatic ambassador, inspiring awareness and action for one of Hawaiʻi’s most endangered native species.

In 2021, ��ōʻ�� was temporarily transferred to a research program at the University of California Santa Cruz, where he was part of a behavioral study of monk seals. ��ōʻ��’s participation contributed toward conservation efforts and expanded scientific knowledge of the endangered species. During his time away, the Waikīkī Aquarium renovated and repaired the Hawaiian Monk Seal exhibit.

��ōʻ��’s homecoming will feature keiki-friendly activities, including educational feeds, animal enrichment, arts and crafts, a touch pool, chalk art, a mermaid photo opportunity, and face painting. A Hawaiian blessing will take place at 10:30 a.m. on the Monk Seal Deck. Community partners will also join with educational booths, including the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, Audubon Society, and Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response.

Resource managers and leading marine invasive species experts from Hawaiʻi, Florida, and U.S. Territories recently gathered in Hawaiʻi for the Unomia Learning Exchange Workshop, a critical meeting focused on preventing and responding to new threats to coral reefs. During the workshop, organized by the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�, participants shared knowledge and strategize against the spread of high-risk invasive species, particularly those stemming from the illegal release or outplanting of marine aquarium species, and high-risk coral diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.

The event focused on the alarming rise of species originating from the marine aquarium trade, particularly a soft coral known as Unomia stolonifera. This species has rapidly overwhelmed reefs in Venezuela and has now been found in Hawaiʻi, where an eradication effort is underway. Similarly, Xenia umbellata, another popular aquarium soft coral, was recently discovered on reefs in Puerto Rico. These cases underscore the urgent need for a unified response to the illegal release of aquarium animals.

“The release of these species, whether intentional or accidental, poses a significant threat to our fragile marine ecosystems,” said Christy Martin, Program Manager for CGAPS, a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, ����Vlog�ٷ� Manoa. “This workshop provided a vital platform for experts to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. By sharing what we know, we can build stronger defenses to protect our reefs from these aggressive invaders.”

A key component of the workshop was a tabletop exercise where participants simulated a rapid response scenario to a Unomia detection. This exercise, which followed the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force guidelines, helped inform the development of comprehensive response plans for state and territorial waters. The workshop also previewed a new planning tool from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Species Invasion Rapid Response Information Network to help communities create their own early detection and rapid response plans.

Attendees also visited the Waikīkī Aquarium to get a firsthand look at live samples of invasive species like Unomia stolonifera. The Aquarium is a unit of the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� and is a partner in the state’s “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign, which educates the public about the severe consequences of releasing aquarium animals.

In Hawaiʻi, the possession or import of non-native marine aquarium animals requires a special permit that is not available to individuals or businesses and is a felony, with penalties that can include large fines and prison time. To provide an alternative, the Aquarium also serves as an official amnesty drop-off site where people can surrender illegal aquatic animals without penalty. Amnesty locations include Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offices statewide.

The workshop was supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coral Reef Stewardship Fund to the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, with additional support from the Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation and Bishop Museum. This collaboration highlights the critical role of partnerships in tackling complex environmental challenges and protecting the health of our oceans.

See more on the .

This week’s ����Vlog�ٷ� News Image of the Week is from the .

From the Instagram Reel, “Swim on over to the Waikīkī Aquarium and check out this amazing sight! Baby seahorses enjoying a meal of tiny Artemia, with its stomach glowing bright orange from the feast. Nature’s wonders up close!”

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The begins construction to upgrade its popular Edge of the Reef exhibit this month to install a new water system. The newly planned exhibit will be larger and more interactive, offering an enhanced opportunity to connect with �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s unique marine ecosystem.

The new injection well, a system designed to safely dispose of exhibit water underground, prevents the exhibit water from entering the sewer system or the ocean and complies with state and county regulations.

“This project is essential to the aquarium’s mission of sustainability and our commitment to inspiring conservation and appreciation of Pacific marine life,” said Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “As we embark on creating an even more captivating exhibit for future generations, we ask our community to join us in this effort.”

Those interested in supporting this project can learn more at .

In celebration of Earth Day, is hosting its 17th free on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote the importance of keeping Hawai‘i—from the mountaintops to the sea—clean and pollution free.

Guests can enjoy live entertainment, a native plant giveaway and interactive activities including hands-on learning, arts and crafts and educational exhibits that showcase ways to protect and preserve �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s environment.

The expo is open to the public and free parking will be available in the back parking lot at Jefferson Elementary School beginning at 7:30 a.m., with free shuttle to and from the Waikīkī Aquarium courtesy of Waikīkī Trolley. Guests are also invited to bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated with water stations.

����Vlog�ٷ� the for more information.

The is sea-lebrating its 120th anniversary with two days of festivities open to the public on Saturday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On March 16, families can enjoy the return of SeaHunt where keiki can search the lawn for marine-themed prizes and visit educational booths featuring fun activities.

The celebration will continue on March 19 where visitors can enjoy experiences in collaboration with educational partners at NOAA, the University of Hawaiʻi SeaGrant Program, Friends of Hanauma Bay and more. These activities will include expert talks, cutting-edge exhibits and interactive workshops.

“We are grateful for the partners, visitors, the local community, and Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members who have continued to support the aquarium over the decades,” said Waikīkī Aquarium Director Andrew Rossiter. “This support is what has allowed us to remain committed to ocean education, research and conservation throughout our history. While the last 120 years have been filled with memorable milestones, we are excited about our plans for the future.”

Aquarium admission is $12 for non-members; $8 for kamaʻaina and military with ID; $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under and FOWA members.

For more information, call (808) 923-9741 or visit .

You can get into the holiday spirit by visiting Santa Claus as he visits the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s .

Santa went diving on December 5 and will also appear on December 12, at 11:30 a.m.

Also in time for the holidays, the Elf In The Shell is back. Each day, the elf will be hidden somewhere in the Waikīkī Aquarium sitting in one of four seashells. Those who spot her can go to the gift shop and let staff know where she is to claim a surprise.

The Waikīkī Aquarium has been administered by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa since 1919.

The number of fish to catch around Oʻahu got a small boost when a team including University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers released about 150 tagged pāpio (juvenile ulua or giant trevally) into waters around the island. Now, fishermen can help those researchers with important data by catching the tagged fish and reporting the information while also winning prizes. Fishermen can keep all of the pāpio they catch.

The pāpio were released on October 17–19 at four different locations around Oʻahu: , Kāneʻohe Bay, Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District and Pōkaʻī Bay.

Researchers hope to show on a small scale how raising and releasing the pāpio could offset fishing pressure and help rebalance the composition of the local reef fish populations if done on a larger scale in the future.

“What I hope this project achieves is bringing awareness to the concept of restorative aquaculture,” said Spencer Davis, a PhD student at ����Vlog�ٷ� ��ā�ԴDz�’s (HIMB) and an employee of Oceanic Institute of Hawaiʻi Pacific University. “That fish can be grown from eggs collected from public aquariums and that those fish can be used to restore populations of wild fish.”

Researchers included four release sites around the island to mitigate any concerns about predator introduction or genetic impact. In addition, throughout the rearing to release process best management practices were integrated to mitigate any biosecurity issues. By releasing smaller cohorts of approximately 50 pāpio around Oʻahu, they hope to increase the number of fishermen that will have access to catch the fish later and gather recapture data. Each release site is located in regulated areas to allow time for the fish to acclimate to the wild before moving out into fishable zones.

“These releases provide a small enhancement to wild populations of ulua around Oʻahu with the intent to both restore the ecological structure of coral reef fish communities and provide recreational opportunities to local fishers,” said Erik Franklin, an associate research professor at HIMB and Davis’ advisor. “We’re planning to expand this program if we can identify future funding support.”

Partnering with local fishermen

Each tag is labeled with a unique fish identification number and a note instructing fishermen to call the researchers and report the date, capture location (general area, no need to give away your secret spots), length and weight of the fish. Nanko’s Fishing Supply is supporting the project with a raffle and prizes for participating fishermen at the end of the recapture period, approximately one year after the pāpio are released.

“We would love to find any of these released fish that end up being recaptured and reported by local fishermen,” said Davis. “We would learn about how much the fish grew in the wild, how far it traveled from the release location, and how likely fishermen are to recapture fish that are released as part of similar restorative aquaculture efforts.”

Originally, researchers received eggs from Maui Ocean Center in November 2022 and grew the eggs into the pāpio being released today. Franklin contributed funding provided by a local donor who supports research on recreational fishing to the for tagging the fish and transporting them for release.

Looking to future large scale efforts

A healthy ecosystem is composed of many species fulfilling key ecological roles such as predators, herbivores and scavengers. Fishing pressure has led to a decreased number of apex predators in waters around the main Hawaiian islands, especially Oʻahu. If any of the pāpio are recaptured, it will help researchers learn about how effective a larger scale restorative aquaculture effort can be in the future.

This project is a spin-off of previous work funded by the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture. This collaboration includes efforts from: Waikīkī Aquarium; Department of Aquatic Resources; HIMB; Oceanic Institute of Hawaiʻi Pacific University; and Maui Ocean Center.

If you support this initiative and want to see more projects like this happen, please contact Davis at sbdavis@hawaii.edu or (808) 699-9991 to receive a to indicate your interest.

Join the University of Hawaiʻi Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium this summer for the return of its annual Ke Kani O Ke Kai summer concert series. Concertgoers will enjoy three oceanside concerts featuring some of the islands’ top artists and hula hālau. Presented by Outrigger Resorts and Hotels, this year’s line up will include:

• Thursday, June 29: Led Kaapana & Mike Kaawa / Hoʻokena with Moon Kauakahi and Kumu Hula Nani Dudoit
• Thursday, July 20: Johnny Helm Band / Taimane
• Thursday, August 10: Kawika Kahiapo & Bobby Moderow / Makaha Sons

Guests will also be able to purchase food and refreshments from favorite local restaurants. No outside food or beverage will be permitted. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and conclude at approximately 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to explore the aquarium galleries, which will remain open throughout the evening, and bring blankets/chairs for the beach-front lawn as well as clear, refillable water bottles to stay hydrated. Concert proceeds will support the important work of the aquarium, including maintaining exhibits, completing renovations and expanding educational programs.

Tickets are priced at $55 for adults (ages 13 and up), $20 for juniors (ages 5—12), and free for children 4 and under. Tickets for Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members are priced at $30 for adults and $15 for juniors. Special series pricing, including single admission to all three concerts, will be available for $140 general admission ($75 for juniors) and $80 for FOWA members ($45 for juniors).

Guests can purchase their tickets at the Waikīkī Aquarium or .

To learn more about the Ke Kani O Ke Kai concert series visit the .

For the first time in its 118-year history, the has successfully bred a weedy seadragon, placing it among a small, select group of aquariums worldwide to breed this distinctive fish.

Found in Southern Australia and Tasmania, are in the family Syngnathidae and are relatives of seahorses and pipefishes.

“This is an incredible achievement for our team since starting our seadragon husbandry program 14 years ago,” said Andrew Rossiter, Waikīkī Aquarium director. “Weedy seadragons are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Like seahorses, male weedy seadragons brood the eggs; however, the eggs are incubated on the underside of the tail instead of in a pouch. Weedy seadragons perform an elaborate mating dance, spinning snout-to-snout and moving up and down in a water column to transfer the eggs from the female onto the male’s tail, where they are then fertilized.

Appropriately enough, the Waikīkī Aquarium’s weedy seadragons had a successful egg transfer just prior to Father’s Day on June 11, 2022. The male carried the eggs until the fully formed juvenile hatched on August 2. The baby seadragon has grown rapidly and is currently four inches in length and is being carefully monitored and cared for behind the scenes. ����Vlog�ٷ�ors to the Waikīkī Aquarium can see this newest addition via a live camera feed located in the aquarium galleries.

The Waikīkī Aquarium has been administered by the University of since 1919.

For the first time since 2019, the University of Hawaiʻi ’s popular annual summer concert series returns to the aquarium lawn. offers visitors and residents an evening of live entertainment from some of Hawaiʻi’s top entertainers and food under the stars.

Presented by Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, the three-concert series will be held Thursday evenings from June 30 to August 11. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and conclude by 9 p.m.

Ke Kani O Ke Kai schedule

• June 30—Makana with special guests Bobby Moderow, Jr., Kawika Kahiapo and George Kuo
• July 21—Kalani Peʻa with Hula Halau o Kamuela led by Kumu Hula Kunewa Mook and Kauʻionalani Kamanaʻo
• August 11—Streetlight Cadence and Friends

Guests can purchase food and refreshments from different local restaurant partners at each concert. No outside food or beverages will be permitted. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beach mats, blankets or low sand chairs for seating.

Tickets are priced at $55 for adults, $20 for children (ages 5–12), and free for children 4 and under. Tickets for Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for children. Special series pricing, including single admission to all three concerts, will be available for $140 general admission ($75 for children) and $80 for FOWA members ($45 for children).

Guests can purchase their tickets at the Waikīkī Aquarium or .

To learn more about the Ke Kani O Ke Kai concert series visit the .

The ’s iconic giant clam (Tridacna gigas) died of suspected natural causes on Tuesday, June 21. Acquired from a clam farm in Palau, the clam made its way to the aquarium about 30 years ago. Residing in the Barrier Reef exhibit, it soon became a guest favorite and grew to more than 200 pounds. Worldwide, it was the oldest of its species in captivity at more than 40 years old.

“Needless to say, we are all saddened at the demise of one of our flagship, and oldest, animals,” said Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “The clam looked fine over the weekend, but showed a catastrophic decline on Monday, when it began releasing clouds of eggs into the exhibit. Unfortunately, despite the close attention of our staff, there is little that can be done when a clam falls ill. We have checked the parameters in the exhibit, and they have remained unchanged for at least the past year. We have sent tissue samples for analysis in case we missed something. However, Biology 101 tells us that the older the animal, the more-likely it is to die, and I expect its demise will be attributed to natural causes.”

In recognition of International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, the partnered with the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� to produce a special educational video that celebrates the importance of gender diversity within human and marine life.

There are currently more than 500 species of fish that change sex throughout their lives, including clownfish, groupers and masked angelfish. The transformations can be triggered by age, size or social reasons.

“Gender change is normal, and it is something that we see in many species throughout nature,” said Camaron Miyamoto, director of the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� LGBTQ+ Center. “The purpose of this video is to showcase this and the fact that everyone is part of a natural environment and deserves to be truly affirmed for their sexuality, gender and sex.”

“We hope that this video educates the community about the importance of not only accepting but celebrating gender diversity. The absolute normalcy and neccessity of changing sex in many species is highlighted within the fish at the Waikīkī Aquarium. It is an honor to partner with the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� LGBTQ+ Center on this significant effort,” added Chessa Caparros, Waikīkī Aquarium volunteer program coordinator.

Founded in 2009, International Transgender Day of Visibility honors and celebrates the achievements, courage and resiliency of transgender individuals and communities. It raises awareness of the discrimination and barriers to equality the transgender community faces daily.

To view the full video, visit the Waikīkī Aquarium and pages.

The celebrates its 118th birthday on Saturday, March 19, and the public is invited to make a splash. Festivities will include presentations, arts and crafts, a beach cleanup and more. The Waikīkī Aquarium will also celebrate its birthday by planting 118 native coastal plants with Protect and Preserve Hawaii to raise awareness for coastal erosion.

“Since 1904, the Waikīkī Aquarium has worked to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation and conservation of Pacific marine life,” said Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “We’re delighted to be able to gather safely to celebrate this incredible milestone with family-friendly activities.”

Celebration schedule

• 9 a.m.–1 p.m.—Leaf printing, shark crafts and educational presentations
• 10 a.m.–2 p.m.—Beach Cleanup: registered participants can check in anytime between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in front of the aquarium to pick up a bucket and tools for cleaning up the surrounding parks and beaches. .
• 2–4 p.m.—Paint for Your Soul: guests can paint the aquarium’s two new whitetip sharks, Mozzarella and Pepper Jack

Late last month, the aquarium welcomed two new whitetip reef sharks to its Hunters on the Reef exhibit. Named for the distinctive white tips on their dorsal fins and upper tips of their caudal fins, whitetip reef sharks are not aggressive toward humans. Their slender bodies are specialized for wriggling into narrow crevices in the reef and extracting prey inaccessible to other reef sharks.

Limited-edition 118th anniversary shirts, an Adopt-An-Animal Tiger Shark package, and a new 118th medallion will also be available to purchase at the gift shop.

Aquarium admission is $12 for non-members; $8 for Kamaʻāina and military with ID; $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages 4 to 12, and free for children three and under and Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium. . For more information, call (808) 923-9741 or visit .

To further study the unique physiology and sensory biology of endangered Hawaiian monk seals, marine mammal scientists at the University of California Santa Cruz are partnering with Hawaiian zoological facilities and Sea Life Park on Oʻahu. The aquarium is a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research facility.

Specialized research programs and marine mammal facilities available at University of California Santa Cruz’s Long Marine Laboratory have enabled several important studies to be completed with the species since 2009.

The next phase of research will include the return of 19-year-old Hawaiian monk seal KE18 from California to Sea Life Park where he will be featured in educational programming highlighting the endangered status of the species and the value of collaborative conservation research. Meanwhile, Waikīkī Aquarium will temporarily transfer 13-year-old male Hawaiian monk seal KP2 to the research program in California while the monk seal exhibit at the aquarium is updated and renovated.

“The Waikīkī Aquarium is grateful for this opportunity to work closely with the University of California Santa Cruz and its partners to support conservation efforts for Hawaiian monk seals and education about this endangered species,” said Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “This will allow us to renovate our monk seal exhibit so we can continue to help in future research and protection efforts.”

KP2 previously spent several years at Long Marine Laboratory participating in cooperative research. His planned sabbatical will allow scientists to support ongoing studies of auditory biology and provide insight into how monk seal metabolism changes throughout development.

These studies support conservation efforts for wild monk seals by providing relevant biological data from non-releasable male monk seals trained to cooperate in scientific sampling. Such information is often difficult or impossible to gather from free-ranging seals. Measurements are obtained by animal care specialists without harm to seals, and research activities are monitored by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Research with non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals is authorized by NOAA Fisheries. The planned research activities involving monk seals KE18 and KP2 are supported by the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research and Living Marine Resources Program. Multiple agencies have participated in planning vaccination and quarantine requirements, including those related to COVID-19, to ensure the health and safety of people and animals.

This partnership is an example of ����Vlog�ٷ� ��ā�ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

The celebrates World Ocean Month by offering a variety of activities and events including educational resources, a gift shop sale and beach clean-up throughout the month of June.

The Aquarium also invites the community and people around the world to sign the in support of the global movement to protect 30% of the Earth’s lands, waters and ocean by 2030.

“World Ocean Month reminds us just how essential the ocean is to our livelihood as it connects us all,” said Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “There’s no better way to celebrate than to invite the community to learn about our oceans and Pacific marine life, and provide an opportunity to care for our local waters.”

The Waikīkī Aquarium will be hosting the following activities and events:

World Ocean Day Beach Clean-Up on June 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The public is invited to participate in a World Ocean Day Beach Clean-Up to keep local waters pollution free. Each group of up to 10 people will receive buckets and supplies at the Aquarium and proceed to clean the surrounding parks and beaches. All participants must follow the state tier 3 guidelines. .

Sunscreen Trade-In on June 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guests can stop by The Shop on World Ocean Day to trade in their sunscreen and purchase reef-safe sunscreen to receive 15% off their entire gift shop purchase. Exclusions apply. Shoppers can also take advantage of the sale by emailing shop@waikikiaquarium.org to schedule an appointment. Proceeds from The Shop benefit Aquarium programs, exhibits and research.

Educational resources

During World Ocean Month, the Aquarium will be releasing new virtual educational resources on its including:

• World Reef Day
  . This day calls for the community to raise awareness and take action to create positive change to protect the world’s reefs. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Fish and other organisms find shelter, food, reproduce and raise their young in the reef.
• Hawaiians and the Sea on June 21 and 28
  The Aquarium will be live streaming new Hawaiians and the Sea presentations from Outrigger Waikīkī and the Outrigger Reef. Dean Spencer, Waikīkī Aquarium school support program coordinator, will share rare artifacts and information about how the early Hawaiians survived and sustained their livelihood prior to other cultures coming to Hawaiʻi.
• Ocean Classroom in June
  A new episode of Ocean Classroom featuring Patty Miller, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary education coordinator will be released.

For more information, visit the . The Aquarium is a University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� research facility.