LIHUE — Mark Deakos, PhD, is doing research on the humpback whales visiting the Hawaiian Islands for breeding and calving.
Deakos will be presenting “Hawaii’s Gentle Giants: Why Humpbacks and Manta Rays Are Not So Different,” Saturday from 5 p.m. at The Ocean Around Us area at the Kukui Grove Center.
“We are fortunate that Dr. Deakos is able to speak with us about the humpback whales and manta rays,” said Jean Souza, the Kauai programs director for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, one of the collaborative partners in The Ocean Around Us. “Dr. Deakos is currently working on research on the whales and has agreed to do a presentation. It has been a long time since we have had an individual present on manta rays.”
Deakos has always been connected with the water, at one time being a competitive swimmer and water polo player, and now spending time in saltwater as a scuba diver, free diver, kayaker, and mariner.
Following his biology degree from the University of Waterloo in Canada, his interest in wildlife biology turned toward the ocean and marine mammals which brought him to Hawaii in 1996. He completed his master’s degree at the University of Hawaii studying humpback whale behavior, and completed is doctoral degree in 2010 focusing on manta ray ecology.
Deakos is one of several offerings by The Ocean Around Us, a unique collaboration of exhibits, activities, and special events presented by the Kukui Grove Center and collaborative partners.
This weekend’s sessions open with a special series of free ocean-themed activities when Jamie Thompton, the Kauai Marine Mammal Response Coordinator for the National Marine Fisheries Service presents “Hawaiian Monk Seals Revealed,” Friday evening starting at 6 p.m. at The Ocean Around Us area.
Thompton works closely with the Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources and the 60 volunteers who help manage Hawaiian monk seal haul outs as well as whale and dolphin strandings.
Starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, The Ocean Around Us will open with the showing of the BBC Natural History film “Hawaii: Message in the Waves” which takes a look at some of the environmental challenges facing the people and wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands. Mimi Olry of the DLNR and Thompton will host the film.
“We wanted to make this Ocean Around Us a family-oriented event, and this weekend will be special with activity tables,” said Melissa McFerrin-Warrack of The Kukui Grove Center. “We have free hands-on and interactive activities for children of all ages focusing on ‘fins and feathers’ with activity tables and featuring various marine mammals and sea creatures, including whales, monk seals, sea birds, coral, and more.”
Captain Mark Jeffers of The Storybook Theater will be providing more entertainment and storytelling during the keiki activities time of 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday.
