The Marine Option Program has been around for 40 years now. It’s the anniversary of the program which has helped and continues to help students fi nd different pathways to the ocean. A variety of majors has brought in all kinds of students together with a common interest in the ocean. For four decades, the program has brought energy and a love for the ocean to many people at the University of Hawai‘i.

In 1970, the Founding Fathers Craven and Davidson had a vision called MOP - a program started for any and all interested in the sea and creatures living within. This program which would not only allow students to come together, but to do research, gain important

knowledge and hands on experience.

With support from Sea Grant and the Marine Affairs Coordinator, the program was launched at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Barry Hill was the fi rst Director at the helm, steering the program through uncharted waters. Hill navigated for the fi rst four years with continued support from a University Innovation Grant in March of 1971, the same year the idea for a newsletter came about. Now, there are directors on all campuses on all islands. The program was then approved by an

Arts & Sciences Program & Curriculum Committee and also by the UHM Council of Deans in 1971. The fi rst newsletter began only a few months following.

Jessi Schultz, Assistant Editor

Continued on page 3...

MOP has provided students with hands on opportunites to explore the ocean, including programs like MAST (Maritime Archae-olgy Surveying Techniques), pic-tured above, and whale watch-ing, pictured on the right.

Marine Option Program

The Marine Option Program has been serving its students and the marine community for 40 years this August. The Marine Option Program has been serving its students and the marine community for 40 years this August. This is a look back at the program’s events and accomplishments over the four decades. This is a look back at the program’s events and accomplishments over the four decades.

40 YEARSMarine Option Program

Seaw rdsAugust 2012

Seawords, August 2012 Page 1

In 1972, the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo MOP program began. At that time on O‘ahu, the fi rst snorkeling trips were taken by UHM students at Hanauma Bay. This spread to other growing projects around the community.

Many big projects began in those years such as an artifi cial reef study in 1973, a Moli’i Fishpond project in Kaneohe Bay, O‘ahu and a model fl oating city was developed in the same bay.

In 1975, Windward Community College began their own MOP, and two years after, Honolulu Community College jumped aboard. Major lobbying at the capital came about at this time to make sure the personal and operating funds for MOP

were secure.

Times were tough for MOP with several periods of closure at most campuses, but always beginning again. MOP at K CC, HCC, LCC was even suspended in 1983-1984.

In those same years, the fi rst Skills Project Symposium was held at UHM with students from all campuses, students from UHM helped in the Moloka‘i Coastal Research Inventory Project with funds from the U.S. Army, the fi fth Ocean Fair was celebrated at Mānoa and many more ocean related services and events occurred.

The Marine Option Program kept growing with the years. In 1987, the University of Guam launched their own MOP program at the UOG Marine Laboratory. All of Oceania bulged with students and teachers with a passion for the ocean. Sealetters, the fi rst MOP newsletter, began in 1971 and more than 20 years later, here are it’s pages. The fonts and picture design may have changed but it’s still seaworthy wealth of knowledge and experience, like the MOP program in it’s entirety. Following the publication of the newsletter, the new School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology began throughout the university’s many campuses, so even more students could begin and end a degree with a fervor for the sea.

Seawords, August 2012 Page 3

Marine Option ProgramStudents participate in Dolphin Quest 2006. Experiences that MOP students gain while a part of the program contribute to bright futures in the fi eld of marine sciences as well as other disciplines.

Marine Option ProgramThe Marine Option Program’s fi rst director Barry Hill poses with his wife in the Mānoa MOP offi ce.

...Con nued from page 1

Coalition. The whole movement, according to the Ocean Fest website, was inspired by the Hui O Hau‘ula project. Hui O Hau‘ula encourages community members by “honoring the past and in

looking to the future we know we must malama ka pae ‘aina (care for the archipelago).”

This was the fi rst Ocean Fest, however, the Coalition plans on making this an annual event.

Seawords, August 2012 Page 4

North Shore Benefi t for

Ocean EducationNaomi Lugo, Editor

Naomi Lugo, EditorOcean Fest was held on June 9th to support ocean education in North Shore schools.

In an effort to support K-12 ocean education in schools from Ka‘a‘awa to Waialua O‘ahu, the North Shore Ocean Education Coalition held their fi rst North Shore Ocean Fest on June 9th. This event, at Turtle Bay Resort featured many educational booths and activities. Some of the organizations in attendance were NOAA Fisheries Service, Access Surf Hawai‘i, Sustainable Coastlines and Nā Mea Hulu.

Members of the community, tourists, and hotel guests were welcome to attend the event, which ran from 1 p.m. to sunset. The North Shore Ocean Education Coalition was recently founded and includes several local ocean-related organizations. The Coalition’s mission is to “increase awareness and knowledge about the ocean,” in order to then, “protect, restore, and manage the use of the ocean.” The Coalition is building ocean education from the ground up by providing schools with resources. From early grades to high school classes will gain knowledge through unique curriculum and hands-on, place-based learning opportunities that the North Shore Ocean Education Coalition will help in supplying. Scientists and mentors will also be a part of educating students.

Hawaiian culture and traditional Native Hawaiian values impact views on ocean education for the

NORTH SHORE EDUCATION COALITION INCLUDES: NOAA Fisheries Service – Pacifi c Islands Regional Offi ce (PIRO), Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Hawaiian Monk Seal Response Team Oahu, Malama Pupukea-Waimea, Navigating Change, Hui O Hau’ula, Turtle Bay ResortFor more information head to: northshoreoceanfest.com

Seawords, August 2012 Page 5

Generation Blue: Actions for the OceanBy Naomi Lugo, Assistant Editor

The ocean spans over 70 percent of our world. It is responsible for regulating temperature, food production, sustaining numerous marine species, and is a source for inspiration among multiple other things. The ocean gives us so much and it is

time for us to return the favor and take actions to make the ocean ecosystem healthy again. Almost every action that we take affects the ocean in some way. Our everyday choices can be tailored to support a healthy ocean.

Here are some examples of green acts that will keep the ocean blue!

If you have a suggestion for a green act, email us at seawords@hawaii.edu with subject line Generation Blue to submit your idea.

1. Don’t buy products that harm the ocean.Things like non-sustainable coral jewelry, supplements with shark cartilage, or mer-chandise made from turtle shell can be damaging to ecosystems and organisms in the ocean.

2. Be aware of the ocean when kayaking or boating.When taking part in ocean activities make sure that you take ev-ery action to protect the ocean. Don’t let any trash or belongings fall into the ocean and contribute to ocean pollution. Also make sure to be conscious of the marine life; avoid bumping into coral or other marine life.

3. Support marine education.Whether it be at events like Ocean Fest (see page 4) or hand-on programs, it is important to show support for marine education programs to continue educating people on the ocean. When the public knows more about the ocean it becomes easier to protect it. Also, with ocean education early on in a child’s education will help instill a life-long passion for the ocean.

Green NewsBag BanSanta Cruz, a city in California, has banned single-use plastic bags as of July 10th. A 10 cent charge will be ap-plied to paper bags. The ban will go into place in 9 months.For more information head to: www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_21047429/santa-cruz-passes-plastic-bag-foam-ban-oks Hands Across the SandThe annual Hands Across the Sand movement will be held on August 4th. The event is held to support clean energy.More information can be found at: http://handsacrossthesand.org/

Graphic fromDecember 19, 1986 issue of Seawords

Seawords, August 2012 Page 6

Former MOP Director Sherwood Maynard Speaks About His Experiences With the

Program.Compiled by Naomi Lugo, Editor

Do you recall what brought you to MOP in the fi rst place?

Throughout my career I’ve been very interested in undergraduate marine education. At the University of Washington when I was doing my masters I did some teaching, and my last job there as a teaching assistant was to be the advisor for the undergraduates in the Oceanography department. At that time there were 450

majors. I liked that a lot, I liked it better than research.

Part of my reason to come to Hawai‘i was to give research a better trial than I was able to when I was enamored with education. About the time I was fi nishing my Ph. D. here. the director at the time, John McMan left and Ray Tabata who was a Sea Grant extension agent was kind of care-taking the program.

When I fi rst came to the University in ‘71, I noticed that undergraduates weren’t getting a fair shake up of things, especially in the marine area there weren’t any degrees or anything. I guess I was kind of challenged to do something about that.

What makes MOP a unique program?

There are a number of things. It attracts a unique type of student. One that likes to learn by experience, and one who can integrate across a number of disciplines and activities, one who’s motivated to do more than what’s prescribed by the degree requirements.

Do you think being a part of MOP helps students get careers/jobs after college?

Very much so. In the fi rst place, the practical experience sets them aside from those who are just watching the ink dry on their diplomas. The networking that you’re able to do through the classes and through the projects and the symposia and what not really give students a leg up on other students

Naomi Lugo, EditorFormer Director, Dr. Sherwood Maynard.

Con nued on page 7...

Seawords, August 2012 Page 7

...Con nued from page 6

who haven’t really mingled with professionals. The MOP network is very powerful, and now especially since we’ve got so many alumni in important places like Jeff’s (Kuwabara) chair. They’re really in some key positions.

What is your favorite MOP memory?

Mostly my favorite moments come from the MOP graduation. To see students that at the beginning didn’t really have the self-confi dence to achieve something walk up and speak about their MOP experience a little bit. Sometimes their parents would come up after and say “what a big turn around.” It’s (MOP) a unique idea. I would hope that

the alumni would get better organized, and that

the program’s accomplishments would be better

recognized by the administration.

It’s different from just about anything else on campus.

Former program director, Sherwood Maynard, congratulates a student at the May 2005 MOP graduation.

Marine Option Program

The Marine Option Program is Celebrating

its 40th Anniversary

Save the Date:Thursday August 16, 2012

at the Waikīkī AquariumWe are compiling stories, memories, and experiences from all MOP Alumni and affi liates to be shared with our

MOP Ohana.Email stories to: seawords@hawaii.edu

About the Author: Michaela Tapia will be in her third year at Honolulu Community College in the Fall.She is studying commercial aviation.

About the poem:

The Water Will CrowMichaela Tapia

High above, the aboriginal bird barely gives the water a second glance.But as I stall and feign emergencies in a single-engine airplane,the water looks hard as concrete and equally comforting. As the airplane’s attitude worsens,I think about a hard landing, crashing into the ocean at seventy six knots (ideally), scrambling for water gear I suddenly realize I don’t have. I imagine the water closing over my head, knocking on the canopy, seeking weak spots. “Here it is,” the water will crow, worming it’s way inside the cockpit

smelling the salt water I’m sure I’ll be tasting in a minute as I scramble for the exit.Then the airplane’s attitude improves and I snapback to reality, safe in my white diamond. I look down.The ocean never looked so uninviting.

2010-2012Cianna Beltran,Naomi Lugo

Newsletter Editors 1980-2012

Graphic from December 19, 1986 issue of Seawords

Did we miss you or someone you know of? Send us an email at seawords@hawaii.edu

1980-1989Phyllis Ha,Paul C. Pinkosh, Russel J. Chun,Mark Alexander,Patty Bibby,David Stroup,James Gonser, Lani Teshima,Betsy Reynolds

1990-1999Betsy Reynolds, Cheryl Rosenfeld,Jennifer M. Ybarra,Jan Koltun,John Nunnally,Teresa Dawson,Alice Keesing,Maja LaBelle Clark

2000-2009Brian Richardson,Doreen Remillard, Christine Fron, Emma Anders,Julie Grass, Willow Hetrick,Emily Samson,Kerri Wizner,Cianna Beltran

Seawords, August 2012 Page 8

Seawords, August 2012 Page 9

it is known as today, Seawords. Seawords continues as a news source and a way for MOP students, alumni, and affi liates to stay in touch with the program and the network of friends that they have made through it. Here is how the newsletter has transformed in it’s years of publication.

Seawords throughout it’s 40 years and many different names has served the Marine Option Program and scientifi c community in providing updates on MOP and ocean news.

The newsletter started in 1971 under the title of Marine Option Program News, after that it had been called MOP Hotline, Seaword, SeaLetters and what

Seawords Throughthe Years

Compiled by Naomi Lugo, Editor

This issue of Seawords is from January 6, 1983

MOP’s newsletter was known as MOP Hotline in the mid-70’s until it was renamed Seawords in the early 1980’s.

We have featured “vintage” Seawords ocean graphics throughout this special 40th anniver-sary issue. Each of the pictures of octupi, fi shes and other marine animals come from the various newsletters over the years.

The 70’s The 80’s

The 90’s

This March 1994 issue of Seawords featured an “Organism of the Month” column.

The 00’s

This issue from June 2001 highlights MOP’s 60th graduating class.

(A list of the newsletter’s editors can be found on the adjoining page 8)

Seawords, August 2012 Page 10

What would your college experience have been like without MOP? When I started here at UH Mānoa, I was lost; I was fl oundering. There was no place really that you could get any type of personal advising or personal attention certainly not personal academic or career guidance. I knew I was interested in fi shes and marine science and you just get the generic arts and science advisor, and so I found MOP. It was a godsend because it was somewhere you could fi nd people to actually talk to. First of all faculty like Sherwood people like that who could give you some direction and guidance, even though they’re not offi cial counselors or advisors, and maybe more importantly, meeting students with similar interests and fi nding out about opportunities that you wouldn’t hear about otherwise. In a lot of ways MOP saved my undergraduate career. As far as my undergraduate days here, MOP made it. The opportunities I got through MOP led to the career I have now. (It has) created opportunities for me over multiple decades so it’s been great.

Do you recall what brought you to MOP in the fi rst place? Really I was just enamored with this idea of scientifi c diving. I was a pretty avid diver. Spear fi shing collecting tropical fi sh, taking pictures, but I kind of wanted to take it to the next level beyond just a hobby and get really serious about it. So that in part is what drew me to MOP is hoping that I could get some kind of research experience or training. That’s exactly what

I got out of it.

What types of opportunities does MOP give its students? Because it does exactly what it did for me. It makes you aware if opportunities you might not otherwise know about. It provides you career networking. It

provides you opportunities to gain experience. T his is also true well outside of the sciences that it enables anyone with a marine interest to connect it to whatever their major might be.

Do you think being a part of MOP help get you a career/job after college? Absolutely, I’m Deputy Superintendent for Papahānaumokuākea, for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. When I was a MOP student I went through the precursor of what’s now QUEST and that led very directly to me being hired as summer help on a Northwestern Hawaiian Islands research cruise. That experience alone was one of the big things that set me apart. So very directly that internship that I got through MOP led to my current position. Really I’m forever grateful for that, that’s why I’ll do anything I can if I have a chance to give back to MOP and to undergraduate programs, and maybe provide some of those same opportunities for students. I see myself in a lot of current MOP students.

Interview with MOP Alumni,Randy KosakiCompiled by Naomi Lugo, Editor

“I see myself in a lot of current MOP students.”

Randy Kosaki

Seawords, August 2012 Page 11

Calendar of Events atUH Sea Grant’s Hanauma Bay Education Program

Marine Science in East O`ahu

***Presentations take place in the theater of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, beginning at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday evening***

August Events

August 2, 2012Shark telemetry: Movement and behavior of Hawaiian sharks

Melanie Hutchinson, Graduate Student, UH Zoology, Hawai`i Institute of Marine Biology Shark Laboratory

August 9, 2012 White terns--why they became the offi cial bird of the C&C of Honolulu, their biology, legal status, and threats

Keith Swindle, Special Agent, USFWS Offi ce of Law Enforcement

August 16, 2012Long-term passive acoustic monitoring of near-shore ecosystems in the NWHI and what it can tell us about biological

activityPollyanna Fisher-Pool Marine Biologist – Acoustic Specialist, UH Zoology Graduate Student, JIMAR/CRED/NOAA

August 23, 2012 Eddies as offshore foraging grounds for melon-headed whales

Phoebe Woodworth-Jefcoats, Research Oceanographer, Ecosystems and Oceanography Division, PIFSC/NMFS/NOAA

August 30, 2012 To be determined

James Anderson, Graduate Student, UH Zoology, HIMB Shark Lab.

For more information or questions please contact:Hanauma Bay Education Program

100 Hanauma Bay Rd. Honolulu, HI 96825Phone: (808) 397-5840 Email: hanauma@hawaii.edu

Submissions Welcome!Any artists, poets, writers, photographers, or scientists out there with

marine-related interests?

Share your talent with the marine community and get your work published in Seawords.

We accept any original work having to do with the ocean.All work should be submitted to your nearest MOP offi ce for delivery to Seawords,

or email us at seawords@hawaii.edu

Please be sure to include your full name and contact information so we can give you credit for

your work.

Seawords, August 2012 Page 12

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University of Hawai`i at MānoaSeawords, Marine Option ProgramCollege of Natural Sciences2450 Campus Road, Dean Hall 105AHonolulu, HI 96822-2219

Address Service Requested

SSeawords

Contents

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More resources are available on the MOP webpage:http://www.hawaii.edu/mop

Upcoming MOP Events August

Page 1: A History of MOPPage 2: Save the Date Page 4: Ocean FestPage 5: Generation BluePage 6: Words from Former Director Sherwood Maynard Page 8: Ocean ArtPage 9: Seawords Throughout the YearsPage 10: Alumni Randy Kosaki

SeawordsVolume XXVI, Number 8, August 2012

Editor: Naomi Lugo

Assistant Editor: Jessi Schultz

Dr. Cindy Hunter (éminence grise)

Seawords- Marine Option Program

University of Hawai‘i, College of Natural Sciences2450 Campus Road, Dean Hall 105A

Honolulu, HI 96822-2219Telephone: (808) 956-8433, Fax: (808) 956-2417

E-mail: <seawords@hawaii.edu>Website: <http://www.hawaii.edu/mop/>

Seawords is a monthly newsletter of the Marine Option Program at the University of Hawai‘i. Opinions expressed

herein are not necessarily those of the Marine Option Program or of the University of Hawai‘i

Suggestions and submissions are welcome. Submissionsmay include articles, photographs, art work, or anything that may be of interest to the marine community in Hawai‘i and

around the world.

Octopus from January 6, 1983 issue of Seawords

4th Hands Across the Sand

16th The Marine Option Program’s 40th Anniversary celebration.

(Remember to RSVP by the 3rd)

Past Issues and Color Versions of Seawordshttp://www.hawaii.edu/mop/seawords