Ecosystem Discovery Center
In celebration of its first year anniversary, on February 2, 2008, the Eco-Discovery Center officially opened its newest addition with the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Living Reef Exhibit, featuring a dazzling 2,500 gallon reef tank of species indigenous to the Keys.

Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2008
This year’s CHOW was organized around the thematic issue of climate change, the status of the science, and the policies and considerations to be weighed in seeking solutions. All presentations are online. The Leadership Awards Dinner proved to be especially high-charged with ocean celebrities and creative conservation initiatives.

International Year of the Coral Reef Inspires Design
Combining elements of the Hawaiian language with imagery of reefs and waves, artist Sig Zane unveiled a new fabric design for his contemporary Hawaiian clothing line, from which a portion of the proceeds will go to the Foundation.

Two Foundation Projects Come Together and Make Music!
An original composition by three-time Grammy winner, Daniel Ho, was debuted at the Foundation’s annual Leadership Awards Dinner on June 3, 2008. Entitled Kai Palaoa (sea whale), the composition will be featured as part of the audio CD “One Ocean – Explore the Quiet and Blue” to be released in fall 2008, along with a high definition visual component. Daniel Ho also performed Kai Palaoa on the Hawaiian television stations’ KHNL and KFVE-TV as part of their Earth and Sea Project: Going Green in Hawaii. The Foundation is a contributor to the Earth and Sea Project, recently funding acquisition of the project’s high-definition and underwater camera.

What Can You Do To Help The Ocean?
Reduce and Recycle Your Trash!
Ariel, Disney’s Little Mermaid has joined the Foundation and others in raising public awareness about the destructive impacts of marine debris and the need to Keep Oceans Clean! The TV and print Public Service Announcement campaign asks kids and their parents to reduce trash through recycling and reuse, and to make certain trash is properly disposed.

Hawai'i Ocean Guardian Kid's Club and Contest
Students across the country can show off their knowledge about marine conservation and win one of several cool prizes including accommodations for two nights in Hawai`i and Swatch watches, in an ocean reef-themed contest presented by Outrigger Hotels and Resorts in collaboration with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

The contest is open to all students in grades K through 8 in the United States, and encourages youngsters to express their insights and observations about the ocean and sensitive coral reef ecosystems through the creation of original stories, poetry or works of art. Deadline for entries is October 24, 2008.

Grant Spotlight
Two Foundation projects come together and make music!