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TOPICS: FISH

A Preview of Upcoming Episodes

In this special episode we preview some upcoming Voice of the Sea stories. We'll be learning about life in American Samoa and what makes it unique.  We'll meet people managing it's natural resources. Fom chiefs to ethnographers, who study the ...

An Intro to Voice of the Sea

In this special debut episode, we preview some of the stories we’ll tell this season on Voice of the Sea, including fishponds, beaches, Tara expedition, aquaponics, oysters, algae, and volcanoes Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 1 on Vimeo or Youtube ...

Aquaponics and Wind Turbines

We meet Maui visionary Tony Liserre who shows us his home aquaponics system and unique wind turbine system Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 3 on Vimeo or Youtube. FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grade 5: ...

Book Review: Kaiāulu Gathering Tides

by Jackie Dudock The tide is rising ahead of the early morning sun on the northeast coast of the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i. Waves rush singing onto the outer reef where two throw net fishermen stalk the surge. An elderly ...

Building Science Experiments

In this episode, we’re designing, building, and conducting underwater experiments to learn about macro algae, fish, and the reef’s interdependencies. Watch the trailer for Season 3, Episode 12 on Vimeo or Youtube. FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grades 6-12: ...

Cancer and Cone Snails

How the cone snails of Guam and corals of Palau are used in cancer research Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 18 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grades 6-12: Structure and Function Activity: Invertebrate ...

Collecting Data Aboard the Tara Oceans Expedition

We are back onboard the Tara to learn more about the research and crew of this ship. Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 5 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Curriculum Connections: Grades 6-12: Wayfinding and Navigation Activity: Navigating with Nautical Charts Further ...

Coral Reseach on Moorea

In this episode, we learn about the importance of long-term marine research in a changing environment. Researchers from UC Santa Barbara have been studying the reefs in French Polynesia, on the island of Moorea, for over two decades. Their research ...

Crown of Thorns Invades Samoa

In this episode we visit the National Park in American Samoa with ecologist Tim Clark. We’ll be doing some underwater surveying, looking for outbreaks of the crown of thorns starfish, which is devastating reefs across the Pacific. Tim and his ...

Deep Sea Lab

We learn about the creatures of the deep sea and how we study them with oceanographer Jeff Drazen Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 9 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grade 3: Survival in ...

Defining Ecosystem-based Management Boundaries Using Genetics and Fisheries Data

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: ROBERT TOONEN Graduate Student: Johanna Wren The exchange of individuals among populations, termed connectivity, is a central element of population persistence and maintenance of genetic diversity, and influences most ecological and evolutionary phenomena. To date, field studies of ...

Discovering Mokupapapa and ARMS

We tour the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo where we meet Virginia Branco and Patricia Richardson. Then we learn about Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) from Megan Moew Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 12 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch ...

Farming Fish

We check out the supersized aquaponics setup at Maui Aquaponics, where Ed Cichon and Chris Kiser show us how they grow talapia and lettuce in a pest and fertilizer free environment. We then tour UH Sea Grant Hilo's sturgeonfish and ...

Farming Oysters and Algae

We tour the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources center at UH Hilo where they grow oysters and oyster food Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 7 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grade 3: Ecosystem ...

Fish Ears and Algae

We're in Guam looking at the bones in fish ears to determine their age.  Then we're studying algae. We'll check out some samples researchers have gathered and we'll learn why algae is so hard to classify. Watch the trailer for Season ...

Fish Flow: Filling the gap between spawning and settlement

 Research Projects 2016-2018 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Brian Bowen Co-INVESTIGATOR: Stephan Karl Graduate Fellow: Derek Kraft The proposed research will track fish from egg production to the reefs where they settle and enter local fisheries on Oʻahu and adjacent islands. To promote sustainable use of ...

Fish No Take

We’re at Kahekili Beach Park on Maui. We take a look at some 2011 footage and compare it to 2017 as we learn about the management of algae-eating fishes with local fisherman and NOAA coral fellow, Luna Kekoa. Watch the ...

Fish Origins Revealed in DNA

We’re investigating the origins of Hawaiian reef fishes with Dr. Brian Bowen’s lab at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology. The Hawaiian islands are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean Basin and far away from other coral reefs—meaning that ...

Fish Spawning Aggregations

Researchers Terry Donaldson and Pat Colin talk about fish spawning aggregations - elusive and amazing events Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 19 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grades 6-12: Energy, Growth, Development Question ...

Food Webs of the Open Ocean

In this episode, Jeff Drazen, lead scientist of the Kilo Moana research cruise, explains how research is revising our understanding of what deep sea animals feed on. Watch the trailer for Season 2, Episode 13  on Vimeo or Youtube. FULL EPISODE Or watch this ...

Interdisciplinary, international partnership formed to address marine pollution in the Marshall Islands

May 31, 2020 Project Contacts: University of Hawaiʻi: Dr. Megan Donahue (donahuem@hawaii.edu); Marshall Islands Liaison, Sea Grant: Max Sudnovsky (msudnovsky@cmi.edu); Press Contact, Sea Grant: Cindy Knapman (lknapman@hawaii.edu, 808-387-7634) (Honolulu, HI) – An interdisciplinary research team from Hawaiʻi and the Republic ...

Jellyfish Lake

We meet research assistant Gerda Ucharm, who takes us to the world famous Jellyfish Lake of Palau. Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 15 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grades 6-12: Phylum Cnidaria Weird ...

Ka Pili Kai Ho‘oilo 2018

Click on the cover image to view the full issue. Welcome to our inaugural issue of the new Ka Pili Kai! Embracing knowledge from generations past and present: For our dedicated readers who have been receiving and reading our quarterly ...

Land-based pollutants in herbivorous reef fishes on Hawaiian reefs

 Research Projects 2018-2020 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Megan Donahue Co-INVESTIGATOR: Stephen Karl Graduate Fellows: Eileen Nalley, Julie Zill Pollutants, such as metals, pose a serious threat to coral reef ecosystems. In the past century Hawaiʻi has experienced significant changes in land use, ...

Land-based pollutants on Hawaiian reefs

 Research Projects 2020-2022 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Megan Donahue Co-INVESTIGATORS: Kim Falinski Graduate Fellow: Honour Booth This research will examine land-based pollutants, such as metals and persistent organic pollutants (e.g., PCBs), in coastal ecosystems in Hawaiʻi. Ongoing habitat degradation and coastal development, along with ...

Life in American Samoa

In this episode, we journey to American Samoa to meet researchers, scientists, village chiefs, and everyday citizens to see how they're coping with a changing ocean.  We'll learn about the history, culture, natural resources, and challenges American Samoa faces from ...

Managing Rose Atoll

In this episode, we learn about the pristine environment of Samoa's Rose Atoll with monument Manager Frank Pendleton. Frank explains his job as monument manager, working with scientists from across the Pacific to monitor the environmental health of Rose Atoll ...

Mutualism on the Reef

In this episode, we're in French Polynesia, on the island of Moorea at the Gump Research Station. Scientists are discovering exciting new examples of mutualism on the reef. Watch the trailer for Season 3, Episode 10 on Vimeo or Youtube. FULL EPISODE Or watch ...

Navigating the Hōkūle’a

In this episode we meet navigator of the Hōkūle’a Ka’iulani Murphy.  She shows us the fabled canoe, and explains her role onboard. We also learn from navigator-in-training Jason Patterson. Watch the trailer for Season 2, Episode 11  on Vimeo or Youtube. FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode ...

Navigation and Traditional Sailing

We meet traditional navigator Sesario Sewralur and traditional sailor Tim Gilliom and learn about finding your way across the ocean using only your senses. Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 16 on Vimeo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube ...

New species of Ehu, an important food fish in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands, named after UH biologist

New species of Ehu, an important food fish in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands, named after UH biologist April 16, 2021 (Honolulu, HI) – A new species of Ehu, or deepwater snapper, was discovered during a research study funded by ...

Onboard the Falkor: Mapping the Northwest Hawaiian Islands

In this episode, we're onboard the Falkor, a high tech research vessel that's just returned from mapping the bottom of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, revealing new information about the origins of Hawaii. Watch the trailer for Season 2, Episode 16 on Vimeo or Youtube ...

Onboard the Falkor: Whale Watching

In this episode, we tour the Falkor, the high tech research vessel exploring Hawaii's waters. We'll meet some of the crew, learn about their jobs, and check out the research program studying the effect of the ship's sonar system on ...

Open House of the Sea

We visit the SOEST open house to learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, waves, and the sounds of the sea. Meet Garret Apuzen-Ito, Ph.D. and Jonathan Weiss to learn about eathquakes, geophones, and seismic activity. Talk with Jared Marske Ph.D. to learn ...

Palau’s International Coral Reef Research Center

In this episode we tour Palau's International Coral Reef Research Center.  Researcher Adelle Lukes shows us around the aquarium and mangrove exhibit, the extensive coral collection, fish measurement system, and research equipment they use to study sea grass. Watch the ...

Podcast #1: Fish Flow

Meet Dr. Brian Bowen and Michael Hoban and learn about their project tracking important aquaculture fish species from egg production to the reefs where they settle and grow. Read more about their project here ...

Podcast #10: Metallic Phish

Dr. Megan Donahue and Eileen Nalley look for traces of land-based, metallic pollutants in tissues of commonly eaten reef fishes and the mechanisms involved in their transport from land to fishes. Read more about their project here ...

Polynesian Voyaging Canoes

In this episode, we’re talking with voyaging canoe builders, navigators, and captains from Hawaii and Micronesia: Ka’iulani Murphy, Sesario Sewralur, and Tim Gilliom. These heroes share their stories and pass on knowledge to the next generation Watch the trailer for Season ...

Reef and Shore Fishes of the Hawaiian Islands

The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program is proud to present Reef and Shore Fishes of the Hawaiian Islands by award-winning author John E. Randall. The 560-page volume covers the 612 species of fishes found in the Hawaiian Archipelago ...

Resolving the Diet of Larval Marine Fishes to Accelerate Aquaculture Opportunities

 Research Projects 2020-2022 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Brian Bowen Graduate Fellow: Emily Conklin, Cassie Kaʻapu-Lyons As the demand for sea food continues to rise, wild stocks are dwindling or disappearing. Meanwhile, the supply of marine ornamental fishes for the aquarium trade faces similar ...

Resolving the diet of marine fish larvae to increase aquaculture opportunities

 Research Projects 2022-2024 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Brian Bowen Sea Grant Graduate Fellow: Cassie Kaʻapu-Lyons Research Track: Aquaculture The majority of the freshwater fishes in the pet store are raised in captivity on fish farms, while the vast majority of the marine ...

Resource habitat mapping and diet characterization of native and non-native mullet species to inform adaptive management in He‘eia Fishpond

 Research Projects 2022-2024 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Shimi Rii Co-INVESTIGATORS: Rosanna Alegado, Kawika Winter PI-CASC Graduate Scholar: Sheldon Rosa Research Track: Aquaculture Moʻolelo (Hawaiian oral traditions) speak of Meheanu, the moʻo or reptilian freshwater guardian of Heʻeia Fishpond, who functioned as the bringer ...

Restoring a Hawaiian Fishpond

We meet Kimokeo Kapahulehua and learn about the restoration of Maui’s Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 2 on Vimeo or Youtube. FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grade 5: Food Resources and Fisheries ...

Science Journalists at Sea

In this episode, students in the COSEE Journalist at Sea program go to sea on the Kilo Moana Research Vessel. They join the science expedition and report back on the important work being done there, as well as what life ...

Scientists at Sea

In this episode, we meet the researchers and crew onboard the Kilo Moana scientific research vessel.  We'll get a sense of what it's like to go to sea on a research cruise and check out the jobs and equipment onboard ...

Shark and Tuna Tagging

We're Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology on Moku ʻO Loʻe (Coconut Island), Oʻahu, checking out the latest in shark and tuna research. We'll investigate the types of high-tech tags used for tracking these large predators as they swim across the ...

Snorkeler’s Guide to the Fishes of Hanauma Bay

This 65 page waterproof fish guide provides full color photographs, names, and descriptions of the fishes most commonly viewed by snorkelers and swimmers at Hanauma Bay. ORDER INFORMATION Snorkeler's Guide to the Fishes of Hanauma Bay $12.95 To order your ...

Strange Fish of The Deep

In this episode, researchers give us a peek at the strange, and sometimes very little fish, of the deep sea as we learn about the importance of these fishes to the overall ocean food web. Watch the trailer for Season 3, ...

Studying Samoan Culture

In this episode we talk to ethnographer Micah Van Der Ryn of the Samoan Studies Institute.  Micah explains what it is to be an ethnographer as he catalogs the legends, history, and customs of everyday life in Samoa. We’ll also ...

Surf Forecasting

In this episode, we meet legendary surf forecaster Pat Caldwell. Pat has been predicting ocean conditions in Hawaiʻi for over 30 years. Pat talks about the most important factors in predicting waves. He also explains rouge waves, tsunamis, and the ...

The Global Tara Oceans Expedition

We tour the famous traveling science experiment ship called the Tara and meet its crewmembers. Watch the trailer for Season 1, Episode 5 on Vim eo or Youtube.  FULL EPISODE Or watch this episode on YouTube Curriculum Connections: Grades 6-12: Wayfinding and Navigation Activity: ...

The Ocean is Feeling the Heat

by Lonny LippsettA fever is rising in the ocean. Our rampant burning of fossil fuels has produced a heat-trapping blanket of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere that has warmed the Earth. But the situation would be much worse without ...

The Return of Kū‘ula: Restoration of Hawaiian Fishponds

by Josh McDaniel According to Hawaiian moʻolelo (oral traditions), Kūʻula built the first Hawaiian fishpond, or loko iʻa, on the island of Maui. Kūʻula was a fisherman of rare skill who is described as having supernatural powers for directing and ...

The use of a euryhaline Tilapia to assess the endocrine disrupting effects of anthropogenic chemicals on growth and osmoregulation of a tropical teleost species inhabiting coastal waters and wetlands in Hawaiʻi and the tropics

 Research Projects 2016-2018 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Andre Seale Many agricultural and industrial chemicals have demonstrated the capacity to disrupt the physiology of wildlife by impacting the endocrine system. These man-made substances, termed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), cause immediate physiological effects or ...

Tilapia Market Report: American Samoa, 2019

 Introduction From December 2018 to April 2019, 15 retail grocery stores, one fish market, and nine restaurants in American Samoa were surveyed by Hawai‘i Sea Grant Extension Agent Kelley Anderson Tagarino and American Samoa Community College student interns Raijeli Toanivere, ...

Tracking Lava Flows with the USGS

We meet USGS geologists, Matt Patrick and Tristan McDonald, on the Big Island who show us what it is like to track an active lava flow, and then we head to the lab to learn how scientists, Julia Hammer, Thomas ...

Two Hawai‘i graduate students dive into marine policy in Washington, D.C.

March 19, 2021 (Honolulu, HI) – Two graduate students from Hawai‘i, Derek Kraft and Anita Harrington, were awarded the prestigious 2021 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship and recently began their one-year paid fellowship in Washington, D.C. focusing on critical ...

Under the Waters of Palau

In this episode, we dive the world famous reefs of Palau, considered to be one of the best scuba destinations in the world. We meet world class underwater videographer Nick Martorano, who shares the secrets of filming underwater. Watch the ...

Upcoming Episode Special

In this special episode, we preview some of the upcoming stories on Voice of the Sea, including Palau's jellyfish lake, endangered animals, underwater photography, cone snails, navigation, traditional sailing, surf  forecasting, chasing sharks, tagging tuna, and more. (Note some of ...

Voyaging Experts Talk Story

In this episode, we go onboard three historic voyaging canoes—the Hōkūle‘a, the Alingano Maisu, and the Moʻokiha o Piʻilani. We’ll learn about the equipment, materials, and crew members onboard to see what makes each canoe unique. Watch the trailer for Season ...

What can seascape-scale vegetation patterns on coral reefs tell us about reef health?

 Research Projects 2020-2022 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Elizabeth Madin Graduate Fellow: Zackery Rago Coral reefs worldwide are threatened by a variety of human impacts. Fishing is among the most pressing threats to reefs, because it occurs on most reef systems and alters the ...

Working towards sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s nearshore fisheries through characterizing and modeling fisheries regulation effects

 Research Projects 2022-2024 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Elizabeth Madin Co-INVESTIGATORS: Kirsten Oleson, Lisa McManus, Zack Rago Sea Grant Graduate Fellow: Annie Innes-Gold Research Track: Interdisciplinary Nearshore fisheries provide extremely important services for coastal communities. However, nearly 25 percent of these fisheries, globally, ...

Writing the Book on Reef Fish

by Ilima Loomis Richard Pyle recalls joining John “Jack” Randall on a diving expedition in Palau in 1985. Wanting to impress the legendary ichthyologist by discovering a new species of fish, the 18-year-old Pyle scoured the reef for unusual specimens ...
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