Plankton is the foundation of ocean life, said Jean Souza of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. “We’re lucky because this year, we are the keepers of the C-More Plankton kits,” Souza said. “People, especially the youngsters, will
Plankton is the foundation of ocean life, said Jean Souza of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
“We’re lucky because this year, we are the keepers of the C-More Plankton kits,” Souza said. “People, especially the youngsters, will be able to do some plankton study of live specimens.”
Souza said this is just one of the new facets of the World Oceans Day Fair, will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hanapepe Public Library.
The free event is open to the public and will feature numerous exhibits and interactive, hands-on activities including the live plankton study.
“Lisa and Justin Yagagata, science teachers at Waimea Canyon Middle School, will be going out Saturday morning to collect samples from Hanapepe Bay,” Souza said. “A lot of people have never seen live plankton and this is a great opportunity for people. Children, as part of the activities, will be asked to draw out some of the plankton they see.”
Greg Holzman, a commercial fisherman who was able to travel with the University of Hawai‘i research submarine Pisces, will have a fish identification activity for children as well as a video of the expedition aboard Pisces, Souza said.
Another new station will be the water quality testing with the Hanalei Watershed Hui.
“We’ve already gone out to collect samples of water from different areas and the results should be available Saturday,” Souza said. “Not only will there be results, people can actually see how the water quality testing is done with the Hanalei Watershed van.”
Some of the hands-on activities include the remotely-operated vehicle demonstration by Stu Burley and the Waimea High School robotics class, gyotaku fish printing, helping stranded marine mammals, albatross bolus examination, kids art, a monk seal game, making barbless hooks, and more.
Mele’s Kusina will have its lunchwagon on site to satiate anyone’s appetite.
Exhibitors joining the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary include the Division of Aquatic Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hanalei Watershed Hui, Na Mea Hulu, NOAA Fisheries, the Surfrider Foundation, Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center, Kohola Leo and Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
“We are blessed to have the Friends of the Hanapepe Public Library helping to make this event happen,” Souza said. “The Friends host a free monthly marine series and with the space available, will be hosting this event for the public.”
Call the Hanapepe Public Library at 335-8418 for more information.
