waquarium.org Autumn 2011 REMEMBERING NUKA‘AU FY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR As many of you will already know, one of the Waikīkī Aquarium’s resident Hawaiian monk seals has died. Nuka‘au, commonly referred to as Nuka by Aquarium visitors and staff, was approximately 31 years old, more than 90 years in human terms. When Nuka arrived at the Aquarium as a juvenile in 1983, he was sporting a large scar on his abdomen, pos- sibly caused by an encounter with a shark or from entanglement in marine debris. It is doubtful he would have survived in the wild. Instead, with the next 28 years of professional care and loving attention, Nuka provided millions of visitors and kama‘āina alike with an up-close glance at Hawai‘i’s state mammal and one of the rarest seals in the world. With its mission centered around research, education and conservation, the Aquarium is not in favor of keep- ing animals in captivity for entertainment purposes. During his time with us Nuka was involved in several research projects of Hawaiian monk seal biology. The proj- ects are aimed at improving conservation efforts among the wild population of monk seals. Nuka also played a key role in tens of thousands of education presentations to the public. He was a true ambassador for his species and we have been privileged to have him as part of the Aquarium ‘ohana. On page 4, we have gathered together the memo- ries of some of those who have worked closely with Nuka over the years. Unfortunately, due to Nuka’s sudden and dramatic decline in health and quality of life, and with veterinary advice, we felt obligated to take the difficult decision to euthanize on Aug. 5. Surrounded by Aquarium staff, Nuka’s passing was peaceful and painless. With his endear- ing charm, Nuka was a favorite among staff and visitors at the Waikīkī Aquarium. He will be missed. Dr. Andrew Rossiter Director Issue Number 179 Autumn 2011 EDITOR Alice Keesing ART DIRECTOR Kelsey Ige PRINTING Electric Pencil Kilo i‘a is published quarterly by the University of Hawai‘i and the Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium and is dedicated to increasing the community’s knowledge of the Waikīkī Aquarium and Hawai‘i’s marine life. Waikīkī Aquarium, 2777 Kalākaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96815-4027 PHONE (808) 923-9741 FAX (808) 923-1771 WEB www.waquarium.org © 2011 Waikīkī Aquarium Printed on recycled paper Cover: Nuka, Waikīkī Aquarium archives This page: Kelsey Ige 2 AUTUMN 2011 Aquascaping Our Ornamental Aquaculture exhibit has taken on new life in recent months thanks to some expert help from Aquascapes, Hawai‘i’s freshwater fish and plant store in ‘Aiea. The old exhibit in Gallery 4 was having major algae problems. The algae was choking out the plants and creating an unhealthy environment for the fish. Aquarist Kelley Niide sought out Hawai‘i’s freshwater expert Jojo Raquel from Aquascapes, and he jumped at the opportunity to help out, donating his expertise, along with the new design and plants. Now the exhibit is on a par with our saltwater exhibits and provides visitors with an artful aqua- scape that is that enchanting mix of terrestrial garden and underwater world. The lush plants and sculptural driftwood are home to several fresh- water fishes, including hatchetfish, tetras, kuhli loaches and catfishes. BRINGING THE NATIVE ALGAE Back to Waikiki This fall will herald a new chapter in reef restoration efforts in the Invasive algae began to appear in Hawai‘i around 30 to 50 years Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District fronting the Aquarium. ago. One of the biggest offenders, Acanthophora spicifera, arrived on For nearly a decade, researchers and volunteers have been doing the bottom of a fuel barge from Guam more than 50 years ago. It, and battle with invasive algae that are choking the reef. Now, they hope other invasive species, have taken over Hawai‘i reefs, resulting in huge to advance the game and begin replanting native species. ecosystem changes. Hawai‘i’s native fish generally avoid invasive algae, The money to support the effort was secured by the Friends of which means they don’t “mow” the algae down to keep it in check, plus Waikīkī Aquarium from a Hawai‘i Community Foundation grant they lose their food source when the aliens choke out the natives. from NOAA’s Coastal Restoration Program. The first algae clean-ups in the Waikīkī MLCD began in 2002, and “I am really excited about this partnership,” says U.H. marine 100 tons of biomass has been hauled out over the years. One difficulty botanist Dr. Celia Smith, who heads up the efforts. “The Aquarium has with removal efforts is that the invasives easily regrow from just a such a valuable tradition and history in Waikīkī and it also has small fragment, and they sometimes reestablish themselves in just a a footprint into the future.” matter of months. With the new grant money, Smith and FOWA have been able to build sustainable new partnerships that encourage stewardship of the area. One new partner is the Honolulu Zoo, which takes all the removed algae for its compost heaps. Another exciting collaboration is growing with Jefferson Elementary, where Smith and her students SAVE THE DATE will be getting fifth and sixth graders involved in the project. And, in the fall, when the south swell dies down, Smith plans to Sunday, November 13 begin the replanting efforts. Her hope is that native algae will be one piece in encouraging the return of a healthy, native ecosystem. Get ready to saddle up for Members’ “When it comes to the invasive alga Gracilaria, most fish avoid it,” Night. This year it’s all about seahorses, she says. “But if we can get that native biomass back there, that’s like seadragons and pipefishes. Paula Bran- French fries to them, so you would hope that it would start to attract shaw Carlson, the director of husbandry the fish back into the area.” at the Dallas World Aquarium, will be “These aliens have had a 30- or 40-year head start,” she adds. here to talk to us about those amazing “Waikīkī desperately needs help. It’s going to take a community to syngnathids. Bring your family and a pic- bring health back to Waikīkī. This is just the first step, but I am not nic and enjoy an evening on the lawn. Soft willing to not try.” drinks and dessert are on us. The FOWA annual meeting kicks off To compare a healthy reef with an unhealthy reef, visit our interactive display by the Edge of the Reef. the evening at 5 p.m. and the doors and exhibits open at 6 p.m. Photo: Gorilla ogo (Gracilaria salicornia) by John M. Huisman KILO I‘A 3 Remembering NUKA AU For close to three decades, Nuka was a star member of the Waikīkī Aquarium ‘ohana. 4 AUTUMN 2011 uka‘au arrived at the Waikīkī Aquarium 28 years ago, a skinny, young monk seal with a penchant for frisky behavior. He had a large scar on his belly that may have come from a run-in with a shark or marine debris, and researchers doubted that he would survive in the wild. And so the Aquarium became his home. That skinny young monk seal grew into a mature, 400-pound animal and Nuka endeared himself to thou- sands of people over the years. The Aquarium lost one of its ‘ohana when he passed away on Aug. 5 at the age of 31. Reid Withrow was the aquarist who undertook Nuka’s care when he came to the Aquarium in 1983. Right from the get-go, it was obvious this was an animal with a large curiosity. “He always showed interest in what was going on outside his exhibit,” Withrow remembers. “There was one time we were working in the pump room and Nuka had his face pressed up against the viewing window — it was very amusing because he was obviously very intent on figuring out what was going on in there.” While monk seals spend a large part of their days doing, well, not much — perhaps some sunbathing and lolling in the water — Nuka could get quite vocal during training sessions and he also had a certain knack for cre- ativity. When he was given a buoy with a rope, he would pull it to the bottom of the pool with his flipper, then let it go so it would shoot to the surface. “He was a wonderful ambassador,” Withrow says. “People just loved to watch him.” Eileen Awai, who has volunteered at the Aquarium for 25 years, also remembers Nuka when he was a younger, more kolohe, monk seal. “He was a rascal,” she says. “I remember there was an event on the lawn one night and I was standing near the side of the pool and I felt water on me — and there was Nuka splash- ing water at me to get my attention.” Even after he bulled up and reached full size, Nuka was always an easy and amenable animal to work with. Aquarist Leah Kissel, who worked most closely with him in recent years, says he was a very smart monk seal, who appeared to enjoy training and enrichment. “I know we’re not supposed to anthropomorphize,” she says, “but he just reminded me of an older, Southern gentleman — he was always thoughtful and always gentle.” Nuka slowed down in his later years, his muzzle greyed and he wasn’t quite so active. But he always kept that curiosity and apparent thoughtfulness. Kissel remembers when she began her research on the flora in the monk seals' nasal cavities; the research meant taking regular swabs from the monk seals’ nostrils with a large Q-tip. NUKA AU “The first time I put the swab in, his eyes just went wide as saucers and he jerked his head away,” she says. “He blew the swab out, and it started to sink in the water. He looked at it and then went and got it and picked it up in his mouth and practically threw it out onto the rocks at me. He didn’t want it in his pool and he understood it wasn’t supposed to be in there. Maka, our other monk seal, would have just swallowed it.” Over the years, Nuka rescued many objects that visitors inadvertently dropped into the pool, from hats to sunglasses to audio tours; if Kissel was around, he would take the found objects directly to her. Two years ago Nuka’s health began to decline due to age-related illnesses. When he was moved from the monk seal pool for the last time, Kissel watched as he and Maka paused for a moment to touch muzzles. It was an extraordinary gesture between the pair, whose relation- ship was typified by Nuka’s dominant position and Maka’s best attempts to stay out of the way. It did, indeed, look like a goodbye. Aquarium staff and the U.H. vet worked closely to manage Nuka’s care behind the scenes, but there came a day in August when Kissel could see that the fight had gone out of him. After consultation with the vet, the difficult decision to euthanize Nuka was made. There was not a dry eye as Aquarium staff gathered around and bowed heads for a Hawaiian blessing. Nuka, you are missed. Photos: Shannon Westman, Alice Keesing and Kelsey Ige KILO I‘A 5 KE KANI O KE KAI The Waikīkī Aquarium stage was set ablaze again this summer with the hot sounds of some of Hawai‘i’s finest entertainers. Jake Shimabukuro kicked off this memorable concert series and was followed by Olomana, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Nā Palapalai with Mailani and the Brothers Cazimero. Ono kine grinds for our guests came from our restaurant partners Yama’s Fish Market, Hula Grill Waikīkī, Big City Diner and Kahai Street Kitchen. Warmest thanks to the series’ presenting sponsor Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. Also our thanks to sponsors Pepsi, Hawaiian Airlines, JMJ Rentals, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Kona Brewing Company, HonBlue, Alexander & Baldwin Foundation, Aloha Petroleum, Becker Communications, Hawai‘i Dental Service, Kualoa Ranch and Servco Foundation. The Aquarium is also grateful to Barefoot Wines and HASR Wine Co. for their support. We would also like to acknowl- edge the support of Styrophobia, which provided the biodegradable serving ware for the concerts, helping us keep waste to a minimum. We are happy to say that most of the concerts this year were sellouts — thank you to all our concert-goers. Net proceeds from the series will fund the second phase of a photovoltaic system at the Waikīkī Aquarium. Photos: Kelsey Ige MEET THE MOLLUSCS Hundreds of people joined us for Family Night on Aug. 26 and came face to shell with a multitude of molluscs. For many, it was a first-time encounter with oddities such as the sea hare, a mollusc with two long rhinophores that look just like the long ears of a rabbit. GRAND OPENING The Hawai‘i Hyperbolic Reef Project greeted guests in the entry foyer with a coral reef crocheted More than 200 members joined us for the from yarn and other creative materials such as official opening of the Northwestern Hawaiian marine debris. Islands exhibit in August. They were among The crowd explored the shells, beaks and other the first to see the new attraction, which fea- body parts that belong to the molluscs and talked tures many fishes and corals that have never with experts such as Dr. J.P. Bingham, who was been exhibited before, including some newly there with his live cone snails. Bingham also discovered coral species. fascinated an audience in the classroom with his presentation on “Killer slugs that make drugs.” Dr. Anuschka Faucci brought nudibranchs and their beautiful rosette-shaped egg masses. And SAY IT IN THE Kilo i‘a U.H. graduate student Heather Ylitalo-Ward was accompanied by a live octopus to show how these animals blend in with their environment. Starting with our next issue, we are offering The keiki took in an octopus puppet show, tried advertising space in the Kilo i‘a. For decades, their hand at crafting their own octopuses and our quarterly member magazine has squids, figured out puzzles at the octopus enrich- shared Aquarium events, news and educa- ment station — and enjoyed their nautilus cookies tion with our many members and the compliments of Hokulani Bakeshop. wider community. We invite you to be a part of our signa- ture publication and reach more than 7,500 people who are families, grandparents, marine life enthusiasts, researchers, party planners and community leaders. Rates start at $175 per issue. Contact Raina Fujitani at 440-9008 or email [email protected] for more details. 66 AAUUTTUUMMNN 22001111 Photos: Alice Keesing CLASSES & ACTIVITIES »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» October - December 2011 ««« Marine Munchies Ocean Arts! Holiday-Themed Ocean Crafts Oct 24, Mon 4:30-6:00 p.m. Nov 11, Fri Veterans Day 10:00-noon Nov 14, Mon 4:30-6:00 p.m. Nature provides the inspiration. You provide the creative juices to Nov 21, Mon 4:30-6:00 p.m. produce marine-themed art projects. The projects are great multi-age Dec 19, Mon 4:30-6:00 p.m. challenges, perfect for gifts, decorations and holiday cards. All Discover animals’ adaptations for capturing their meals and what they materials are provided. An adult-child program for ages 6 and up. $9/ eat here at the Aquarium. Included is an exclusive after-hours animal person ($14/person for non-members). feeding. Feed a sea anemone. Watch the octopus open a jar to get its dinner. Then it’s your turn to feed the animals in our Edge of the Reef Fish Watchers exhibit. Minimum age 5 years; youngsters must be accompanied by an Nov. 29, Tu & Dec. 1, Th classroom 6:30-8:30 p.m. adult. $16/adult, $12/child ($20/$15 for non-members). Dec. 3, Sat optional fieldtrip 8:30-11:00 a.m. Join us for a new class that explores the fascinating lives of Hawaiian Exploring the Reef at Night fishes. Fish Watchers is created for those who get in the water regularly Oct 26, Wed 6:00-8:30 p.m. and are looking for some deeper insight into what they see. Your guide Nov 23, Wed 6:30-9:00 p.m. is U.H. fish expert Michael Burns, who will share his enthusiasm for Dec 9, Fri 6:30-9:00 p.m. the fishes that live on Hawai‘i’s reefs — from the fascinating to the Dec 23, Fri 6:30-9:00 p.m. downright weird. Fish Watchers begins with two classroom sessions Jan 7, Sat 6:30-9:00 p.m. and wraps up with an optional snorkeling fieldtrip. For fish watchers For an experience you’ll not forget, join us as we explore the reef at 16 years and older. $15/person for two classroom sessions; $10/person night. Aquarium staff and participants wade up to their knees on these for the fieldtrip ($20 and $10 for non-members). wet and wild excursions. Test your nocturnal vision as we search for crabs, shrimps, eels and octopuses. For adventurers aged 5 years and up; youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. $15/adult, $9/child ($18/12 for non-members). Look for class updates on: www.waquarium.org PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Activity Registration Form «««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««« »»» NAME(S) Adults ___________________________________________________________ Phone (home) ____________________________ Children/Ages _____________________________________________________ Phone (work) ____________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________ Email________________________________________________________ »»» PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR: Activity Session Date(s) Number of Adults/Children Price _________________________________________/_______ ___________________ ______________________ _________ _________________________________________/_______ ___________________ ______________________ _________ _________________________________________/_______ ___________________ ______________________ _________ _________________________________________/_______ ___________________ ______________________ _________ Total amount of payment enclosed (check payable to University of Hawai‘i) ___________________________________________ »»» IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD Credit card # ____________________________________________________________________ JCB Visa Mastercard Expiration date _________________________________________ Last three digits of security code on back of card _________ I am a FOWA Member Yes No KILO I‘A 7 Fish watchers Not your regular ichthyology 101 When you’re out there with your mask and snorkel, have you ever wondered exactly why that damselfish is barking at you? Or why the raccoon butterflyfishes gather in large groups in the evening? In November, University of Hawai‘i fish expert Michael Burns joins the Waikīkī Aquarium for a new class that shines a light on the fascinating lives of Hawaiian fishes. This is not ichthyology 101; rather it is an enthusiasts’ exploration of the cool stuff that you see when you are in the water. Burns will share how — and why — Hawaiian fish are made the way they are, from the buckteeth on parrotfishes, to the feeding bar- bels on goatfishes to the hash lines on threadfin butterflyfishes. He’ll then uncover some of the absolutely fascinating details of reef life, from the sex-changing behaviors in wrasse harems to the grunting of triggerfish. Burns will show you the big picture and how all this behavior adds up to shape community life on the reef. Fish Watchers begins in the classroom, but then we get out where it all happens with a snorkeling fieldtrip. The view through your mask will never be the same. See page 7 for more information. BTW, you are probably dying to know: Damselfishes bark when Photo: Jeff Kuwabara they are guarding their nests. CLASSROOM DEDICATION Our classroom recently underwent a makeover thanks to a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With new chairs, new cabinets, new whiteboard, new ceiling and extensive paint- Shown at the classroom work, the classroom is looking like a whole new space. dedication in August New dimmable lights make it easier to see during videos and slide- (from l. to r.) are NOAA’s shows. Plus we have a new microscopy unit, which is a boon for training. Allen Tom and Andy “It looks 20 times better,” says School Programs Coordinator Dean Winer with the Aquarium’s Spencer. “Now everyone wants to use it.” Dr. Andrew Rossiter and Dean Spencer. Class Registration Information «««««««««««««««««««««««««««««« » Pre-registration is required for all activities. » FOWA members are allowed up to four total registrants at FOWA rate. » Questions about the activities? Call the Waikīkī Aquarium Education Department at 440-9007. » A handling fee of $5 will be assessed for withdrawals. » No refunds can be made for no-shows or for withdrawals made seven days or less before an activity. To register by phone: Call 440-9011. Visa, Mastercard and JCB are accepted. To register by mail: Full payment must accompany completed registration forms. Please, no cash. Make checks payable to University of Hawai‘i. Visa, Mastercard and JCB are also accepted. Mail the completed registration form with a check or credit card information to: Waikīkī Aquarium Education Department 2777 Kalākaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 8 AUTUMN 2011 FISCAL YEAR 2011 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPLEMENT Photo: Jeff Kuwabara MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR An annual message that Long before Nuka’s passing we were in discussions with federal au- transcends the past, the thorities about providing a home for Hō‘ailona, better known as KP2. present and the future… It is important to note that this is not a case of our looking for a seal to After six years of replace Nuka: we had intended to provide a home for KP2 irrespective. planning, fundrais- Hō‘ailona was born on Kaua‘i and abandoned by his mother soon ing and construction, after birth. He was rescued and raised by National Marine Fisheries our new Northwest- Service staff before being returned to the wild. Unfortunately, KP2 ern Hawaiian Islands interacted with humans, who provided him with food, and he became exhibit finally neared habituated to people. In 2009, in the interests of safety for the public completion at the end of and the seal, KP2 was removed from the wild and housed at the this fiscal year. Already Waikīkī Aquarium for several weeks while a home was sought for him. impressive in its display In the course of a medical examinational it was discovered that of corals, and housing KP2 has very poor eyesight caused by cataracts. He has spent the last some unique species two years in a marine mammal facility in California, receiving veteri- of fish, the exhibit will nary care and is now ready to come home to Hawai‘i. KP2 cannot be only get better. As the released back into the wild — his poor eyesight and his habituation to thin patina of life gradu- humans means he would likely not survive. So the Aquarium warmly ally colonizes the rock welcomes KP2 to its family, and we welcome you to come and see him surfaces, as more fishes on his arrival. are added, and as the corals grow upward and outward, the exhibit will grow in depth and breadth and richness. As a FOWA member, you can check out its development as often as you want. As noted in this issue of the Kilo i‘a, we recently lost Nuka, one of our resident Hawaiian monk seals. He will be dearly missed. How- ever, sometime later this year we should have a new addition to the Dr. Andrew Rossiter Aquarium: another Hawaiian monk seal. Director - - MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR, Friends of Waikıkı Aquarium Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium is down and view for yourself. Standing in front of the huge tank and a nonprofit organization that watching the unique marine life on display, it is easy to appreciate how devotes its resources to helping this exhibit will help fulfill the Aquarium’s mission of “inspiring and the Waikīkī Aquarium accom- promoting an understanding, appreciation and conservation of Pacific plish its important mission of marine life.” education and conservation. As you visit the facility, you will also proudly see that all the exhibits The Board of Directors thanks remain healthy, vibrant and engaging. As has been said many times you for your continued support, before, we may be small in size, but we are world-class in quality. which has made possible another Financially, the volunteer Board of Directors of the Friends of outstanding year. Waikīkī Aquarium has done an outstanding job of maintaining a The Board of Directors healthy balance sheet and making sure that your contributions are put regularly discusses with Direc- to their very best use. tor, Dr. Andy Rossiter, a range Once again, we are most grateful for your support. of possible improvements to the facility, educational programs and exhibits. To that end, back behind the scenes sits a collection of potential future exhibits, which take not only financial resources, but sometimes years of hands-on preparation and experi- mentation before they are ready to roll out for public viewing. This year culminated with the finishing of the new Northwestern Charles R. Kelley M.D. Hawaiian Islands exhibit, which you will definitely want to come Chair, Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium 10 AUTUMN 2011