Sharks play an important role in art, legends, and even spiritual beliefs. Throughout Hawaiian folklore, stories, legends and myths feature sharks as deities and their interactions with humans. Sharks as individuals, and as symbols, are even revered by many native Hawaiians. Some species of sharks, like the Tiger shark, have a special status as ‘aumakua, or family guardians.
Read MoreKawaihae Harbor Summer Cleanup with Keep Puako Beautiful
Kawaihae Harbor Summer Cleanup with our partners Keep Puako Beautiful
When Sat, July 6, 8am – 12pm
Where Pua Ka ‘Ilima ‘O Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park , Waimea,, Island of HI 96743, USA
Pacific Islander and Asian American Heritage Month – A Hawai’i Perspective
May is recognized as Pacific Islander and Asian American Heritage Month established to recognize the history, contributions, achievements and importance of Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans. With mixed Asian- Hawaiian blood, I represent two island peoples, both who have suffered from discrimination, but also two races who are close to ocean. In recent years I have learned about Hawaiian cultural values like pono (wisdom ) and malama, (care) for the ocean has been recognized by the state of Hawai’i.
Read MoreCelebrating AAPI Month by Demanding Change
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and contributions. However, it also provides an opportunity to address challenging topics within our communities. Rooted in culinary tradition, the shark fin trade is a particularly problematic practice that has had devastating impacts on shark populations and marine ecosystems.
Read MoreFinal Public Comment Ends to Support the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary
One third of all sharks including the Oceanic Whitetip and Scalloped Hammerhead are imminently threatened with extinction. Join us at a film screening, volunteer, and help us save sharks from overfishing, and protect their habitat.
Learn more, and sign our petition to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission to reduce shark bycatch below.
Support the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Designation
Papahānaumokuākea is a sacred place with deep cosmological significance to Native Hawaiians who have a genealogical relationship to all living things in the Hawaiian archipelago. The Monument is a mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site. It preserves sacred places, stories, artifacts, and strong Polynesian cultural ties to the land and seas, dating back more than a thousand years.
Read MoreHawai’i DAR Makes Move to Support Aquarium Trade
Hawai’i DAR will: Present a plan to the Board for re-opening West Hawaiʻi to commercial aquarium collection
Read MoreKahu Manō Film World Premiere, International Ocean Film Festival
We are proud to announce the launch of our new documentary Kahu Manō on sharks, culture and conservation at the 21st Annual International Ocean Film Festival.
Read MoreRESPECT FOR HAWAII FISH- NO AQ COLLECTION
Act now to permanently end commercial aquarium collection in Hawaii
A group of native Hawaiian and marine protection groups recently filed a formal petition with Hawaiʻi’s Board of Land and Natural Resources to enact a rule to prohibit collection of reef wildlife for the aquarium pet trade.
Read MoreKona Gold: the Yellow Tang
Due to its bright color and behavior, the yellow tang is also one of the most popular marine aquarium fish. Collected in the wild, Lemon Tangs can bring some of the highest prices for fish in the aquarium live fish trade.
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