{"id":241480,"date":"2026-10-01T14:31:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T00:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=241480"},"modified":"2026-10-01T14:31:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T00:31:18","slug":"deep-sea-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2026\/10\/01\/deep-sea-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Waikīkī Aquarium\u2019s Deep-Sea Day shines light on abyssal ocean"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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Deep-Sea Day at the Waikīkī<\/span> Aquarium.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although most people will never visit the deep sea, humanity is deeply intertwined with its health and stability. To spark curiosity and appreciation for this ecosystem, the Waikīkī<\/span> Aquarium<\/a> hosted Deep-Sea Day in September. More than 700 people attended the event, learning more about the least-explored ecosystem on the planet and the researchers who study it.<\/p>\n

Throughout the event, families and ocean enthusiasts engaged with interactive displays and activities shared by scientists from the University of Hawaiʻi<\/span> at Mānoa<\/span> School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology<\/a> (SOEST<\/abbr>), educators and conservation organizations.<\/p>\n

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Aaron Judah in the SOEST<\/abbr> Deep-sea Fish Ecology Lab with a specimen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“We hope visitors to the Waikīkī<\/span> Aquarium Deep-Sea Day learned why the deep ocean is relevant to them, and had an opportunity to experience deep-sea research and exploration through interactive programming and seeing real specimens and technology,” said Aaron Judah, graduate student in the SOEST<\/abbr> Department of Oceanography<\/a> who organized the event with the Aquarium staff.<\/p>\n

Sacred place of wonder, discovery<\/h2>\n

From SOEST<\/abbr>, the Deep-Sea Fish Ecology Lab shared deep-sea fish specimens; the Deep-Sea Animal Research Center displayed deep-sea exploration imagery from baited cameras, remotely operated vehicles, and submersibles; the Girard Lab showed videos of deep-sea seafloor and coral ecology; and researchers from the Hawaiʻi<\/span> Ocean Time-series program showcased open ocean oceanography and microorganisms along with ocean monitoring technology. Partner organizations such as National Geographic Pristine Seas talked with visitors about their deep-sea exploration and conservation work across the Pacific and Surfrider shared deep-sea education.<\/p>\n

The overarching goal of the event was to inspire the next generation of marine scientists and foster a sense of awe and stewardship for the ecosystem and marine life of the deep sea. The aquarium organizers and 糖心视频<\/abbr> Mānoa<\/span> participants are planning to bring the day back to the community next year.<\/p>\n

“Additionally, efforts are underway to expand deep-sea public outreach,” said Judy Lemus, interim director of the Waikīkī<\/span> Aquarium. “We are currently developing immersive experiences in the aquarium\u2019s theater space to offer visitors a feel for exploring the ocean depths firsthand.”<\/p>\n

For more, see SOEST<\/abbr>\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More than 700 people attended the event, learning more about the least-explored ecosystem on the planet and the researchers who study it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":241488,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[92,9,302],"class_list":["post-241480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-school-of-ocean-and-earth-science-and-technology","tag-uh-manoa","tag-waikiki-aquarium","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t