VOS Episode Guide – Hawaii Sea Grant

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THE TELLY AWARDS

Kanesa and Thor Duncan hold Telly awards after episodes from their TV series Voice of the Sea win.

Close-up of Telly award for Voice of the Sea

The Telly Awards were established in 1979 to honor the very best in local, regional, and cable television, as well as online commercials, videos, and films. Entries are judged by a panel of diverse and elite television and video industry leaders.

Voice of the Sea has been recognized since 2014 with 49 Tellys. Below are links to the award-winning episodes from the latest to the very first. Please enjoy!

VOICE OF THE SEA WINNING EPISODE GUIDE

*Bronze, ** Silver, *** Gold (top-level, established during season 6); + indicates winner in multiple categories

SMMILE For Marine Mammals! (S10-E5)***+

***+In this episode, we’re learning about marine mammal research and traditional navigation practices as part of SMMILE—the Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experience for Hawaiʻi high school students entering their junior or senior year. We head to the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) with SMMILE program coordinators Kirby Parnell and Brijonnay Madrigal to learn about studies being conducted by the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP). Then, we visit the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy (KVA) and talk with SMMILE student alumni—about what they learned and about how the SMMILE program affected their career paths.

Shark Depredation in Guam (S10-E4)**+

**+In this episode, we’re covering the the rising problem of shark depredation—when sharks eat fish off the line before fishers can secure their catch, which raises costs and stresses fisheries. Together, fishers and shark researchers are working to better understand shark behavior and develop strategies that lessen shark depredation.

We head to the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, where fishers from Guam and Saipan gathered for a week-long workshop with Shark Lab researchers—to gain hands-on experience in shark handling techniques and learn to use advanced tagging technology to map shark movements.

Beach Cleaning Machines (S10-E2)**+

**+In this episode, we’re investigating the effects of beach cleaning machines in Hawaiʻi. We talk to regional and national marine debris expert, Dr. Mary Donohue, about the sources and solutions to marine debris. We take a ride on a beach cleaning machine with David Francisco. And, we talk with Nate Serota, from Honolulu Parks and Recreation, about the tools, and volunteers, that help clean our local beaches.

We talk with coastal land use specialist, Ruby Pap, to learn about research to study the effects of machine cleaning the beach. Then, we visit Dr. Rob Toonen’s lab at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), where Katherine Viehl and Van Wishingrad explain how cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technology is being used to identify beach organisms that are hidden, elusive, or too small to see.

Limu Love (S9-E7)*

*In this episode, we’re celebrating the Year of the Limu at the Hāna Limu Festival on Maui, where limu experts and limu lovers from across Hawaiʻi have gathered to share knowledge, observe local limu, and celebrate this culturally, and environmentally critical food resource. We talk-story with Uncle Wally Ito, Limu Hui Coordinator, Malia Heimuli and former Co-Director of (KUA) Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻĀūamo, Miwa Tamanaha—to what we can do to sustain and perpetuate native limu in our nearshore waters. We start off talking to Hāna Limu Festival organizers Scott Crawford and Claudia Kalaola.

EXPORTS 5: The Atlantic (S9-E6)*

* In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re researching the deep-ocean food web as part of EXPORTS—the international research project studying carbon flow from the atmosphere to the deep sea, with NASA and the National Science Foundation. EXPORTS scientists studying zooplankton have discovered that these tiny animals are hugely important to the ocean food web—and to the Earthʻs carbon flow. The initial 2018 EXPORTS research expedition took two ships, satellites, and remote vehicles to the Northern Pacific. In 2021, the EXPORTS team completed a heroic, three-ship, coordinated expedition to make similar studies in the Northern Atlantic. EXPORTS teams are now analyzing learning about how food webs change in response to ocean conditions—and what that means for our future ocean and climate. We visit the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology’ Stable Isotope Lab to check out some zooplankton and talk with graduate student Connor Shea, lab manager Natalie Wallsgrove, and principal investigator Brian Popp. We also catch up with principal investigator and EXPORTS collaborator, Amy Maas, from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences to learn how the results of her work are informing EXPORTS researchers here in Hawaiʻi—and across the world!

Hilo Loko I'a (S9-E1)*

*In this episode, we’re on Hawaiʻi island in the district of Hilo, along the stretch of coastline known as Keaukaha—learning about loko iʻa, traditional Hawaiian fishponds—and the partnerships that make the Loko Iʻa in the district of Hilo so successful! Journey with us as we meet the individuals who have taken on the cultural responsibility, kuleana, to steward these special places, build partnerships, and revitalize the productivity of loko iʻa along Keaukaha. We visit with Kamala Anthony and Manoa Johansen, founders from the community organization Hui Hoʻoleimaluō at Honokea Loko (along with Nāhōkū Kahana). Next, we head inland to an area known as Kaumaui, where we talk with educator, Sheri Frias, and students from Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo, who are working with Hui Hoʻoleimaluō to rehabilitate the Kaumaui loko wai (fresh water ponds). Then, we head back oceanside to Hale o Lono Loko Iʻa, where we talk with the caretaker and communications officer, Luka Kanakaʻole, from the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation.

Kumuola Marine Science Education Center (S8-E7)*

*In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re on the East side of Hawaiʻi Island as part of our series on loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds). We visit the Kumuola Marine Science Education Center to learn about efforts to rehabilitate the Waiāhole and Kapalaho loko iʻa —located within the ‘ili kūpono of Honohononui, the ahupua‘a of Waiākea, and the moku of Hilo. Kumuola is working with haumāna (students) as well as field and industry experts to maximize the health of the Native Hawaiian mullet, ʻamaʻama, in their loko iʻa. We talk-story about the community involved with Kumuola, the history of the loko iʻa under their care (Waiāhole and Kapalaho), the work involved in rehabilitation, and the research that is aiding their process.

Honu Hospital (S8-E6)*

*In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re rehabilitating turtles with the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. We rescue a turtle, learn about the latest techniques in turtle care, and witness the release of recovered patient MA164. Then, we explore the Maui Ocean Center and talk-story with the center’s cultural advisor and general manager.

Waimānalo Aquaponics (S8-E5)**

**In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re visiting the flourishing aquaponics community in Waimānalo. We’ll check out some backyard aquaponics systems to see what people are growing and talk to business owner Travis Sato to learn about the size, costs, and equipment needed to get started. Agriculture professor Ted Radovich shows us the aquaponics systems at the Waimānalo Learning Center where University of Hawaiʻi (UH) researchers are working to improve aquaponics techniques and sharing their research with the community. We also catch up with UH public health researcher Jane Chung-Do, who is studying the societal impacts of aquaponics—from improved diet, to enhanced family and community connectedness. The guiding force behind the Waimānalo aquaculture movement is community leader, certified master gardener, and native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, Ilima Ho-Lastimosa.

Sea Urchin Hatchery (S8-E3)*

* In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re outplanting sea urchins in Waikīkī and talking about the importance of urchins in helping to control invasive algae with Wesley Dukes and Kimberly Fuller from the Hawai’i Division of Aquatic Resources. Then, we visit the sea urchin hatchery at the Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center and talk with hatchery lead David Cohen and his team—Matthew Lewis, Patrick Gorong, Sean Louie, and Lani Musselman—to learn about the sea urchin hatchery and what makes it an innovative part of aquaculture in Hawai’i.

Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Areas (S8-E1)**

** In this episode, we’re talking about the growing opportunities for communities to formally manage their natural resources and preserve local traditions. We talk with Luna Kekoa from the Hawai’i Division of Aquatic Resources about Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Areas and when this new designation is the right tool to use. Then, we visit with Hui Maka’ainana o Makana, which establish the first Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area in Hawai’i in 2015. We talk with Pelika Andrade, Hawai’i Sea Grant extension agent and Hui Community Member and Hui leaders Presley Wann, Keli’i Alapa’i, and Emily Cadiz. Then, Luna shares some of the plans for community management across Hawai’i and gives tips for getting involved to take care of coastal resources in your place.

Cesspool Solutions (S7-E10)*

* In this episode, we’re investigating new alternatives for small-scale wastewater treatment. We learn about microbes that help clean water, and microbes that used to track the source of pollution into the ocean. We talk to engineers working to develop low-cost solutions made from local materials. And, we learn about the installation of off-the-shelf solutions, like self-contained aerobic treatment units. We start off at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology for the installation of the first incineration toilet in Hawai’i.

Virtually Exploring the Abyssal Plains (S7-E9)*

* In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re exploring the deep ocean floor with students and teachers as they go to sea aboard the research vessel Kilo Moana. Even in this time of coronavirus, scientists and students continue their exploration of the abyssal plains, collecting some amazing organisms, and learning about the deep sea food web with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Lu’ukai. Join researchers, ROV technicians, Hawai’i students and teachers in the EP’IK program, and undergraduates from across the continental U.S. as we explore the abyssal plains—virtually!

Saving the Kiwikiu: Part 2 (S7-E8)***

*** In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re talking talking about the progress and plans to help save the kiwikiu — a critically endangered Maui forest bird that eats insects from the bark of Native Hawaiian trees, like Koa and O’hia. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project has led a decade-long effort, with multiple partners to regrow native forest, breed the kiwikiu in captivity, and re-establish a wild population of kiwikiu in the newly grown forest of Nakula, on the leeward slopes of Haleaklā. Experts are now reinvigorating their work to reduce threats facing the kiwikiu and ensure its future—including mosquito control plans that could save the kiwikiu as well as many species of native forest birds threatened by invasive species, disease, and climate change.

Cesspool Issues Rising (S7-E6)**

** This time on Voice of the Sea, we’re learning about the link between cesspools, ground water, and the ocean. Hawai’i has more than 88,000 cesspools, discharging over 50 million gallons of waste each day. And, many of the cesspools are concentrated in low-lying coastal zones—making these areas extremely vulnerable to leaking cesspools and damage from chemicals, disease, and excess nutrients. Working with communities to develop and implement wastewater treatment plans effective for the land characteristics and human use patterns is the next step. As we work toward better wastewater management, continuing to monitor water quality is also vital to informing ocean users and ensuring public health.

Cesspool Contamination Revealed by Invasive Algae (S7-E5)*

* We’re learning how invasive algae are being used to detect cesspool contamination across Hawai’i. Cesspools are leaching excess nutrients into the environment, contaminating our water systems, and negatively affecting the growth of algae and coral reefs. Hawai’i has less than 30 years to replace over 80 thousand cesspools. Scientists are analyzing the Nitrogen levels in algae to see where along our coastlines the cesspools are leaking most. We’ll learn how scientists are gathering this data and what can be done with technology and policy solutions to help improve the way we treat our wastewater in the future.

Deep Sea Algae (S7-E1)**

** We’re learning about algae that grows in deep sea environments, called mesophotic reefs. Beyond the reach of conventional scuba, mesophotic reefs receive just enough sunlight for algae to grow and photosynthesize. Deep sea corals, other invertebrates, and fishes also inhabit these remote environments.

SOEST Open House (S6-E11)*

* In this special episode of Voice of the Sea, we join over 6,000 students and community members at SOEST open house — exploring the research, innovation, and education opportunities available at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Every two years during SOEST Open House, faculty, students and staff share their research and love of science with students and the community. Exhibits include hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, videos, laboratory tours, state-of-the art computer animation and high-tech equipment displays.

Hazard and Hurricane Preparedness (S6-E10)**

** In this episode, we’re talking preparedness with the scientists who wrote the Hawai’i Handbook on how to prepare for Natural Hazards. We visit the Central Pacific Hurricane Center to learn about how meteorologists forecast weather and what they do during hurricanes and tropical storms. Then, we talk to the Department of Emergency Management about what you need to know to stay safe during disasters! We also learn how to strengthen your home to withstand storms and high winds. We take a look at some of the different protection options available—for both single and double wall homes.

Saving the Kiwikiu (S6-E9)**

** In this episode, we’re in the upper forests of East Maui, in the Nakula Natural Area Reserve, working with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project to help to restore the Native Hawaiian forest as part of their mission to save nearly extinct birds, like the Kiwikiu, the Maui Parrotbill, whose population has plummeted to less than 300. We track birds, plant trees, and learn about the forest in preparation for the Kiwikiu release of November 2019, which will introduce these birds back into this mesic forest where they were once found.

Wai Maoli (S6-E8)**

** In this episode, we’re learning about Wai Maoli — Hawai’i’s Fresh Water Initiative to ensure water abundance for future generations. We talk to experts across the state about water conservation, water recharge, and water reuse. We start off with Dana Okano from the Hawai’i Community Foundation to learn more about the Fresh Water Initiative and its importance for the people of Hawai’i.

Water Reuse (S6-E7)*

* In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re learning about the newest strategies in Hawai’i for recycling wastewater to help protect our fresh water supply and the environment. Recycling and Reusing our fresh water will not only help protect our fresh water supply for future generations, but also help to protect the environment by keeping fresh water in local streams and underground aquifers and preventing excess nutrients from going into the ocean and onto our reefs.

EXPORTS 2: On Board The Roger Revelle (S6-E5)*

* In this episode of Voice of the Sea, we’re learning more about EXPORTS — NASA and the National Science Foundations’ epic research project to study the ocean’s carbon cycle, so that information from satellites can make more accurate predictions of global climate change.

EXPORTS: On Board The Sally Ride (S6-E4)***

*** We’re in Seattle talking to scientists as they prepare to depart on the first leg of the EXPORTS research cruise to the northeastern Pacific ocean. EXPORTS is a revolutionary scientific undertaking by NASA and the National Science Foundation to understand the carbon cycle and the fate of carbon in the deep ocean in order to predict future climate conditions. Planning for the expedition has been going on for over a decade to coordinate 100s of scientists, satellites, remote underwater vehicles, and two research vessels. We talk to researchers about tracing carbon and the use of color and light in understanding the flow of carbon through the marine food web. We also learn a bit about what it’s like to spend a month at sea.

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (S6-E3)*

* In this episode, we’re exploring some of the research conducted by CTAHR -UH’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. We’ll learn about traditional farming practices and indigenous plants, as well as chemicals in the aquatic environment and their effects on food fishes. Environmental social scientist, Dr. Mehana Vaughan, welcomes us with an ‘oli to the coastal community of Wanini (Anini), Kaua’i, and shares knowledge of this special place. Next Mānoa Valley. Then, we take a look inside at CTAHR’s Agricultural Science Building where Dr. Andre Seale discusses the research his group is doing on Tilapia fish—which have an amazing ability to live in both fresh and salt water by adjusting their internal physiology.

Hidden Benefits of Farming Kalo (S6-E1)*

* In this episode, we’re investigating the hidden benefits of farming kalo at Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi, a non profit loʻi in Kāne’ohe that is working to restore the wetland for food production, cultural revival, and water quality improvement. We talk to farmers and researchers from Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi, the Water Resources Research Center, the UH Economic Research Organization, and The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi.

Water Resources Research (S5-E13)*

* In this episode, we see fresh water from new perspectives as we take a look at some of the Water Resources Research Center’s work to better understand the unique water and wastewater management problems that we face in the Pacific. We visit the Kako’o O’iwi lo’i in Kāne’ohe, talk with engineers about wastewater disposal and the problem of groundwater leaking into sewer pipes, and look deep underground at stores of freshwater within the Hawaiian islands.

Designing Future Coastal Communities (S5-E12)*

* In this episode, we’re at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa’s School of Architecture. We’re looking at projects designed to help coastal O’ahu communities adapt to climate change and sea level rise. We talk to students, researchers and faculty about their focus on sustainability and community resilience.

Adapting Culture to Climate Change (S5-E9)*

* In this episode, we’re learning how scientists, cultural practitioners, and community members are working together to understand and adapt to the effects of climate change. We investigate the relationship between a changing environment and water quality in local fishponds as well as the relationship between changing ocean conditions and people’s personal connection to place. We start off on the big island of Hawai’i at Honokea Loko I’a with UH Hilo graduate students and fishpond caretakers Cherie Kauahi and Kamala Anthony.

Visiting the Hawa‘ii Institute of Marine Biology (S5-E5)*

* In this episode, we travel to the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) with students from the Kulia Marine Science Club. HIMB is a world leader in research to understand and conserve tropical marine ecosystems. In recent years, HIMB has also integrated itself into the community, working with local volunteers, schools, and members of the public. Education programs focus on providing rigorous and authentic research experiences for high school and college students as well as for younger students, school groups, and the public.

Sea Level Rise and the Ala Wai Canal (S4-E10)**

** In this episode, we head inland to take a look at how rising sea level will affect our infrastructure, aquifers, and fresh water supplies. Researchers from the Univerity of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program and the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology are using King Tides as a window into future ocean conditions, which will have dramatic effects on our island life.

Coastal Erosion on Maui (S4-E6)*

* In this episode, we’re looking at eroding beaches of West Maui, where large condos are being threatened by loss of sand and sea-level rise with Hawai’i Sea Grant Coastal Hazards Expert Tara Owens and Maui County planner, Jim Buika.

Intertidal algae and invertebrates (S4-E3)*

* In this episode, we’re learning about different types of algae and invertebrates with researchers from the OPIHI project, who are working with teachers and students around the state of Hawai’i to monitor the health of the intertidal environment.

Mapping the Freshwater of Hawai’i (S4-E1)*

* In this episode, we learn how scientists use chemical signatures to track the flow of freshwater underground and into the ocean as part of the ‘Ike Wai project’s work to map and model the aquifer system of underground, stored freshwater in Hawai’i.

Knowledge of the Past (S3-E13)*

* In this episode, we meet with elders from the island of Moorea, in French Polynesia. We learn about the Te Pu ‘Atiti’a Center and how it is helping to perpetuate local knowledge and traditions. The elders tell us about changes to the ocean in their lifetime, and how those changes have affected life in the water and on the land.

Scientists at Sea (S2-E15)*

* 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.

Navigating the Hōkūle‘a (S2-E11)*

* 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.

Studying Samoan Culture (S2-E7)*

* 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 see excerpts from his documentary about Muliava, aslo known as Rose Atoll.

Life in American Samoa (S2-E5)*

* 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 many perspectives.

Under the Waters of Palau (S2-E2)*

* 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.

Jellyfish Lake (S1-E15)*

* We meet research assistant Gerda Ucharm, who takes us to the world famous Jellyfish Lake of Palau.

Upcoming Episode Special (S1-E13)*+

*+ 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, tagging sharks, and more. (Note some of these stories are covered more in 2015 episodes.)

Aquaponics and Wind Turbines (S1-E3)*

* We meet Maui visionary Tony Liserre who shows us his home aquaponics system and unique wind turbine system.

Restoring a Hawaiian Fishpond (S1-E2)**+

**+ We meet Kimokeo Kapahulehua and learn about the restoration of Maui’s Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a.

IN THIS SECTION

Select a season of Voice of the Sea

Contact information:
Kanesa Seraphin, Ph.D.
kanesa@hawaii.edu

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