Devon Stapleton of the Hawaii State DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources – specifically, Pelagic Protected Species Outreach Associate – grew to care about the Pacific Ocean first as part of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Women’s Sailing team. The open water was a playground for herself and her teammates though she also understood that the cleanliness of the water was tied into the health of its inhabitants.
The mission for Devon Stapleton and her department is to get the public into actively looking for, videoing or taking photos of the marine wildlife, and emailing to the DLNR.
Why?
Essentially, the more individuals can help create a truer picture of migratory patterns of whales, for example, when you see one or more off of Waikiki on a particular day and time. Sightings of rays in different areas around the state and through the year could indicate better food options for them, which could mean a renewed area for coral and fishes.
More information creates a better understanding of the health of our state!
To contact Devon Stapleton, email devonms@hawaii.edu
For more on “Hawaii Matters”, email Michael T at michael@kumu.com
