| In this issue: |
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Old and New Friends Observation and Compliance at work On a lighter note..... Partnering with Hanauma Bay Volunteers |
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Shark's Cove
- Aug 28, 2010 |
I want to thank the following people who helped make our volunteer outreach at Shark's Cove another success. Mahalo to:
Cheree Smith, Drew Wheeler, Jamie Wheeler, Shari Johnson, Jim Parsons, Laura Parsons, Bill Quinlan and Bob Leinau |
| Old and New Friends
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 It was another great but interesting day at the MLCD. We had a few new friends, Evon Barros who grew up in Kahuku, now living in LA but back home to celebrate her birthday with her twin sister Evette Smith, and her friend Dan Sutton stop by the outreach tent to check out our operation. Also Sheri Johnson, a long time volunteer, came and helped out for the day. Mahalo for your time and company! |
| Observation and Compliance at work
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 This Saturday we had one of the most blatant case of poaching we have seen in a long time. And the worst part is the 4 perpetrators didn't care they were spear-fishing in a marine life park. They were told by countless people, on the beach and in the water, the MLCD is a no take zone. Even our Observation and Compliance coordinator ScubaDrew with the help our volunteer Cheree Smith politely explained the rules of the park and that Docare had been called. They still didn't care, they just kept on killing. |
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 They even had their "camp" set up on the beach at Three tables, BBQ, frying pan, extra hawaiian slings and spear guns laying on their towel. From what drew was told, this was not the 1st weekend these guys had been poaching within the park's boundaries. Even after they had been told repeatedly they were fishing illegally. |
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 When our wonderful Docare officer arrived, Officer Agulara, the 4 of them "played dumb", saying they didn't know it was an MLCD. So he took them up and had them read the many signs posted that say "This is a marine life park and a no take zone" that they passed by to get to the beach. Maybe they did miss the signs but the many other concerned park goers telling them what they were doing was wrong should have registered if they cared. |
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 Officer Agulara did write them citations and made them return "their dinner" back to the ocean. Hopefully they have learned their lesson and won't be back. But if anyone does see them or any other violators, please call DLNR at (808) 587-0077. To read Drew's full account of this incident go to his Water Blog at
http://journeytocenteroftrash.blogspot.com/2010/08/spearfishing-violators-at-3-tables.html |
| On a lighter note.....
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 Early Saturday morning before our outreach set up, Drew took our new and awesome volunteer Cheree Smith on an eco-scuba dive through the park. He took her through the lava tubes and caves. Pointed out many of our resident creatures, the reason all of us at MPW do what we do to protect the MLCD. |
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 But the coolest sighting were two eagle rays within the park's boundaries. We have been seeing quite a few of the "open ocean swimmers" and predators in the park this summer. It says a lot about the health of our reef when we see the big guys in the area. It means that "Working to protect the Pupukea-Waimea Marine Life Conservation District" is working! |
| Partnering with Hanauma Bay Volunteers
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 This Tuesday, the 31st, we will be hosting the volunteer group from Hanauma Bay. Morgan Mamizuka of the Hanauma Bay Volunteer Program is having a dozen or so volunteers come to meet with us at the Cove at 9:30 am for a presentation about the Pupukea-Waimea MLCD and to see the workings of our group. We will be starting with presentations at 9:30 am and a snorkel Eco-tour around 11 am so come and enjoy a morning of education and snorkeling fun. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Till then have a fabulous week. Also, Cheree have a safe trip to Vanuatu! See you when you get back, can't wait to hear all about NOAA's Cooperative Observer Program!
Mahalo & Aloha, Jamie Wheeler (Volunteer Coordinator) |
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