The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has finalized a strategic reorganization moving the within the (SOEST) to strengthen research synergies while maintaining dedication to the conservation of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 unique natural environment.

The Waikīkī Aquarium’s public offerings, including educational programs, conservation efforts, and community engagement, will remain unchanged. These adjustments are designed to enhance operations and more closely integrate the aquarium’s public mission with the university’s research objectives.

“This reorganization represents a commitment to the long-term sustainability of the Waikīkī Aquarium as a beloved public-facing institution,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “By moving the aquarium into a more robust research framework, we are ensuring it remains a premier site for marine conservation while maintaining the excellence and educational programming the community has come to expect.”

A living laboratory

The Waikīkī Aquarium reorganization into SOEST aims to create a more cohesive framework for marine science education and community service.

“Bringing the Waikīkī Aquarium into SOEST strengthens a powerful bridge between research, education, and community engagement—transforming it into a living laboratory where world-class science directly connects with the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific,” SOEST Dean Chip Fletcher said.

The move will integrate the Aquarium’s public education and service mission with SOEST鈥檚 marine life laboratory initiatives and research capabilities.

“As the state鈥檚 trusted window into Pacific marine life, the synergy created by anchoring the WaikĪkĪ Aquarium within SOEST will not only enhance the stewardship and research stories that the Aquarium is able to share with our community, but will provide even greater opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience in marine husbandry and conservation,” Waikīkī Aquarium Acting Director Judith D. Lemus said.

The reorganization from the Office of the Provost is reported to be cost-neutral, with no additional funds or positions requested. Current employees at Waikīkī Aquarium will remain in their existing positions and structures, ensuring continuity of service for the public and the university community.

The , a beacon of marine education and conservation for over a century, is marking its 122nd anniversary in March. Under the new leadership of Interim Director Judy Lemus, the institution is embarking on a period of revitalization, with innovative exhibits, strategic collaborations, and a continued commitment to the unique aquatic ecosystems of Hawaiʻi and the tropical Pacific.

The aquarium will host a 122nd birthday celebration on March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day kicks off with a community coastal cleanup followed by a suite of family-friendly activities.

A new chapter

Lemus brings a wealth of experience in marine facility management, research, and education. Lemus served for four years as the interim director of the (HIMB) within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (SOEST) and is currently the interim associate dean for academic affairs in SOEST. Her primary focus at the aquarium is on operational improvements and enhancing the institutionʻs role in education, marine conservation, collaborative research, and community engagement.

“Managing the Waikīkī Aquarium is about more than just animal husbandry; it鈥檚 also about our engagement with the public and contribution to conservation of Pacific species, and our role as a public outlet for 糖心视频 research,” said Lemus. “As we celebrate 122 years, we are not just honoring our history, but building the systems, facilities, and stories that will carry us through the next century.”

One major accomplishment under her leadership has been the successful return of Hōʻailona, the beloved Hawaiian monk seal, to his refurbished enclosure.

New and upcoming exhibits:

• The Aquaculture Tank: In partnership with Biota, a local aquaculture company, this exhibit will feature fish and coral raised entirely in aquaculture facilities at the Oceanic Institute and Waikīkī Aquarium. This “no-collection” model highlights sustainable trade and will also showcase 3-D structures from HIMB researcher Josh Madin鈥檚 Lab that facilitate coral growth.
• The Edge of Reef Redesign: Formerly an iconic outdoor exhibit, the Edge of Reef was dismantled to make way for a critical infrastructure project. A redesign is planned for this exhibit with support from 糖心视频, the 糖心视频 Foundation, and the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium.
• New Tank for Mullet and More: The large tank that previously featured mullet, a species revered in Hawaiʻi as a staple food and in loko ʻia (Hawaiian fishpond) aquaculture, is being dismantled to make way for a modern habitat. The new enclosure may house mullet and possibly other compatible species such as rays or sea turtles.
• The aquarium is planning new collaborations with a variety of 糖心视频 faculty and labs to help bring their work to broader audiences.
• AZA Accreditation: The aquarium is starting a Pathway Toward Membership program with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard in accreditation for zoos and aquariums, with the goal of achieving AZA accreditation for Waikīkī Aquarium in about 5 years.

.

After several years away, 贬艒ʻ补颈濒辞苍补, the Hawaiian monk seal, is returning to the at a special homecoming party on September 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

贬艒ʻ补颈濒辞苍补, whose name means “a sign from the sea,” has been a favorite among aquarium guests for more than a decade. Affectionately known as 贬艒ʻ补, this monk seal serves as a charismatic ambassador, inspiring awareness and action for one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most endangered native species.

In 2021, 贬艒ʻ补 was temporarily transferred to a research program at the University of California Santa Cruz, where he was part of a behavioral study of monk seals. 贬艒ʻ补鈥檚 participation contributed toward conservation efforts and expanded scientific knowledge of the endangered species. During his time away, the Waik墨k墨 Aquarium renovated and repaired the Hawaiian Monk Seal exhibit.

贬艒ʻ补鈥檚 homecoming will feature keiki-friendly activities, including educational feeds, animal enrichment, arts and crafts, a touch pool, chalk art, a mermaid photo opportunity, and face painting. A Hawaiian blessing will take place at 10:30 a.m. on the Monk Seal Deck. Community partners will also join with educational booths, including the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, Audubon Society, and Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response.

Resource managers and leading marine invasive species experts from Hawaiʻi, Florida, and U.S. Territories recently gathered in Hawaiʻi for the Unomia Learning Exchange Workshop, a critical meeting focused on preventing and responding to new threats to coral reefs. During the workshop, organized by the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, participants shared knowledge and strategize against the spread of high-risk invasive species, particularly those stemming from the illegal release or outplanting of marine aquarium species, and high-risk coral diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.

The event focused on the alarming rise of species originating from the marine aquarium trade, particularly a soft coral known as Unomia stolonifera. This species has rapidly overwhelmed reefs in Venezuela and has now been found in Hawaiʻi, where an eradication effort is underway. Similarly, Xenia umbellata, another popular aquarium soft coral, was recently discovered on reefs in Puerto Rico. These cases underscore the urgent need for a unified response to the illegal release of aquarium animals.

“The release of these species, whether intentional or accidental, poses a significant threat to our fragile marine ecosystems,” said Christy Martin, Program Manager for CGAPS, a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, 糖心视频 Manoa. “This workshop provided a vital platform for experts to learn from each other鈥檚 successes and challenges. By sharing what we know, we can build stronger defenses to protect our reefs from these aggressive invaders.”

A key component of the workshop was a tabletop exercise where participants simulated a rapid response scenario to a Unomia detection. This exercise, which followed the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force guidelines, helped inform the development of comprehensive response plans for state and territorial waters. The workshop also previewed a new planning tool from the U.S. Geological Survey鈥檚 Species Invasion Rapid Response Information Network to help communities create their own early detection and rapid response plans.

Attendees also visited the Waik墨k墨 Aquarium to get a firsthand look at live samples of invasive species like Unomia stolonifera. The Aquarium is a unit of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and is a partner in the state鈥檚 “Don鈥檛 Let It Loose” campaign, which educates the public about the severe consequences of releasing aquarium animals.

In Hawaiʻi, the possession or import of non-native marine aquarium animals requires a special permit that is not available to individuals or businesses and is a felony, with penalties that can include large fines and prison time. To provide an alternative, the Aquarium also serves as an official amnesty drop-off site where people can surrender illegal aquatic animals without penalty. Amnesty locations include Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offices statewide.

The workshop was supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coral Reef Stewardship Fund to the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, with additional support from the Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation and Bishop Museum. This collaboration highlights the critical role of partnerships in tackling complex environmental challenges and protecting the health of our oceans.

See more on the .

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from the .

From the Instagram Reel, “Swim on over to the Waik墨k墨 Aquarium and check out this amazing sight! Baby seahorses enjoying a meal of tiny Artemia, with its stomach glowing bright orange from the feast. Nature鈥檚 wonders up close!”

Previous Images
Mamo
ʻŌhiʻa lehua
K墨lauea from Maunakea
RENT
Aloha Kaua
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

Want to get in on the action? The next 糖心视频 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 糖心视频 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 糖心视频 News permission to publish your photo on the 糖心视频 News website and 糖心视频 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

The begins construction to upgrade its popular Edge of the Reef exhibit this month to install a new water system. The newly planned exhibit will be larger and more interactive, offering an enhanced opportunity to connect with 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 unique marine ecosystem.

The new injection well, a system designed to safely dispose of exhibit water underground, prevents the exhibit water from entering the sewer system or the ocean and complies with state and county regulations.

“This project is essential to the aquarium鈥檚 mission of sustainability and our commitment to inspiring conservation and appreciation of Pacific marine life,” said Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “As we embark on creating an even more captivating exhibit for future generations, we ask our community to join us in this effort.”

Those interested in supporting this project can learn more at .

In celebration of Earth Day, is hosting its 17th free on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote the importance of keeping Hawai鈥榠—from the mountaintops to the sea—clean and pollution free.

Guests can enjoy live entertainment, a native plant giveaway and interactive activities including hands-on learning, arts and crafts and educational exhibits that showcase ways to protect and preserve Hawai驶i鈥檚 environment.

The expo is open to the public and free parking will be available in the back parking lot at Jefferson Elementary School beginning at 7:30 a.m., with free shuttle to and from the Waikīkī Aquarium courtesy of Waikīkī Trolley. Guests are also invited to bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated with water stations.

糖心视频 the for more information.

The is sea-lebrating its 120th anniversary with two days of festivities open to the public on Saturday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On March 16, families can enjoy the return of SeaHunt where keiki can search the lawn for marine-themed prizes and visit educational booths featuring fun activities.

The celebration will continue on March 19 where visitors can enjoy experiences in collaboration with educational partners at NOAA, the University of Hawaiʻi SeaGrant Program, Friends of Hanauma Bay and more. These activities will include expert talks, cutting-edge exhibits and interactive workshops.

“We are grateful for the partners, visitors, the local community, and Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members who have continued to support the aquarium over the decades,” said Waikīkī Aquarium Director Andrew Rossiter. “This support is what has allowed us to remain committed to ocean education, research and conservation throughout our history. While the last 120 years have been filled with memorable milestones, we are excited about our plans for the future.”

Aquarium admission is $12 for non-members; $8 for kamaʻaina and military with ID; $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under and FOWA members.

For more information, call (808) 923-9741 or visit .

You can get into the holiday spirit by visiting Santa Claus as he visits the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补’s .

Santa went diving on December 5 and will also appear on December 12, at 11:30 a.m.

Also in time for the holidays, the Elf In The Shell is back. Each day, the elf will be hidden somewhere in the Waikīkī Aquarium sitting in one of four seashells. Those who spot her can go to the gift shop and let staff know where she is to claim a surprise.

The Waikīkī Aquarium has been administered by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa since 1919.