>
HWF naturalist training
Through
our naturalist education program, HWF teaches thousands of residents and visitors each year about whales,
dolphins, turtles, seals and the coral reef. We educate the public
about threats to the marine environment and teach responsible
boating and reef behavior.
HWF conducts naturalist training classes through the "EdVenture" program, part of the
University of Hawaii Maui College's Office of
Continuing Education and Training. The "Hawaii’s Marine Naturalist Certification & Training"
classes are held on the Maui College Campus in Kahului.
For the Spring 2012 semester, students can choose between a
two-day course, which meets Jan
9 and 10 from 9 am to 5 pm, or a six-week course, which meets on
Tuesday nights from Jan 31 through March 6, 6 pm to 8 pm.
Call 808-984-3231 to register.
Tailored for the tour boat crew and naturalists, this class offers
an overview of some of Hawaii's most visible protected marine life. It focuses on
the animals' basic biological needs
and distribution and teaches how to assist in their protection.
Students may obtain a certification after meeting certain
requirements.
Hannah Bernard,
who teaches the courses, has worked for the last 29 years as a
marine biologist, naturalist, naturalist trainer, policy advisor,
environmentalist, community organizer and dedicated advocate for
the ocean. She is co-founder and president of the Hawai’i Wildlife
Fund.
Hawaii’s waters abound with rare and interesting marine life such
as dolphins, whales, sea turtles and monk seals. Yet few of our
visitors know that these creatures are protected by state and
federal laws and need ample room to go about the business of their
own lives. Becoming a certified marine naturalist is one way for an
islander to help our visitors enjoy
responsible viewing of our special wildlife while keeping the
wildlife from being loved to death.
MORE > COURSE DESCRIPTION
>
HWF Think Island campaign
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund increases public awareness about Hawai'i's unique reef ecosystems through outreach education efforts in the field, as
well as in the classroom through films, handouts and lectures. HWF advocates
the theme "Think Island":
- When fishing/gathering - take only what you need, observe all laws and pono
[correct] fishing practices
- when snorkeling for recreation - do not feed fish and show respect for sea turtles and
other marine life
- take only pictures, leave only bubbles
- Be akamai [smart] around the ocean and streams, watch
the environment carefully so as not to disturb it and to protect
your own safety
Since 2004, HWF Naturalists have been working onsite at Ahihi Kina'u Natural Area Reserve on Maui
distributing information and teaching visitors firsthand about
proper reef etiquette. Those efforts have provided direct education and assistance to
more than 43,000 visitors.
Interested? Please email us at
wild@aloha.net. Mahalo!
>
Slideshow presentations
HWF naturalists and program leaders are available to give
informational slide shows at public functions, resorts, meetings and
other events. Contact us for more information or
visit
Inner Ocean Hawai'i.
>
Diving & Snorkeling Guidelines
To help snorkelers, divers and boat operators care for the marine
environment, Hawai’i Wildlife Fund developed guidelines for
environmentally friendly ways to enjoy viewing the coral reef and its
inhabitants. The guidelines have been adopted by many of Maui’s dive and snorkel companies.
MORE > GUIDELINES
>
In-flight Educational Video
In 1999, HWF's educational video HAWAII'S REEFS: OCEANIC OASIS premiered on United Airlines’ mainland to Hawaii flights.
Back to top