Fish Market and Coconut Island

From Tonia Kushin, Lead Teacher, St. Paul Island School
Thursday April 29, 2010
Today was an eye opener day to marine science Hawaii style. We started the day off bright and early (5AM) with a trip to the Fish Auction. We could not believe the size of some of the fish that were on display (many like the Tuna, heavier yet smaller than the average students) , and the amount of work that goes into displaying the fish so they are ready for buyers to choose from. One surprising aspect there was the number of different
species being sold off of one boat. We are more used to just one species (halibut) being sold off of each boat. As it was explained it made great sense and reduced wasteful bycatch since there is a market for the multiple species.

We then headed across the island via the Likelike highway (which we later figured out was not called the Like like). It has been interesting to struggle over many of the Hawaiian names, yet to listen to some of the people we've introduced Aleut words to struggle over the pronunciation of our words. The students decided that maybe there are different mouth muscles used for the different sounds.


Just in the nick of time, we arrived at the dock and met Auntie Barbara, Sal, Katie, and Captain Fritz who took us out on a boat to Coconut Island,
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. Along the way, we saw a few sea turtles, did a plankton tow and took a look at that through magnifiers,
When we landed, we were able to hike around the facility and Auntie Barbara gave us some great information on many subjects from satellite
tracking sharks to eradicating introduced algae species. Many of the students had their first up close and personal view of sharks (and a
puffer fish), we discussed the white sand and did an experiment showing harmful effects of ocean acidification, got caught in a cool rain squall,
discussed the harmful effects of marine debris (which we had just discussed with Tribal Eco folks during Bering Sea Days), investigated live
animals in a touch tank, and got to see coconuts! It was disturbingly similar types of marine debris found both at Hawaii and at home in the
Pribilofs.

Next was a trip to the Waikiki Aquarium where we met back up with Ms.Wende Goo who was instrumental in setting up many of the details/
reservations for the day for us. We chatted for awhile with Bud Antonelis (who some of you may know from his years on the Pribilofs doing fur seal
work) about the Hawaiian Monk Seal, looked through the various exhibit tanks, and were awed by many of the beautiful marine animals. We are really looking forward to our snorkeling outing(s).

Then if all that wasn't enough, we hit the pool at the end of the day. That was extremely refreshing all around. A bit of Pizza later, and the kids fell exhausted into dreamland. Thanks to everyone who made today possible and quite successful.

Tomorrow we change from life science to earth science and are headed to
the Big Island to check out the volcano and the National Park.