In 2023 and 2024, Kaua’i Ocean Awareness achieved significant milestones in its mission to foster environmental understanding and preserve marine ecosystems. With a focus on education, community engagement, and tangible conservation efforts, the organization has continued to build momentum for long-term impact.

Learning and Certification

A cornerstone of the year’s accomplishments was the Marine Ecology-Open Water International Scuba Certifications program. Through scholarships and outreach, 38 certifications were awarded, empowering local youth to become future leaders in marine conservation. This initiative has created accessibility for young community members to participate as ambassadors of ocean health.

Fish of the Month and Expeditions

The “Kaua’i Ocean Awareness Fish of the Month” program brought the ocean’s wonders closer to the community. Highlighting species such as the manta ray, MantaTrust expeditions provided insights into global ocean conservation efforts. The program fostered a deeper connection between Kaua’i’s residents and the marine life that thrives in surrounding waters.

Dolphin and Whale Entanglement Training

Collaborating with NOAA and DAR Kaua’i, the organization provided essential training to address stranding incidents for dolphins and whales. The community and team gained valuable knowledge in response efforts, further reinforcing Kaua’i’s commitment to marine mammal welfare.

Restoration and Conservation Partnership

A key achievement was the collaboration with Ho’omalu Ke Kai’s “Protect the Ocean” initiative, where ocean warriors led beach cleanups and explored conservation solutions. The removal of 12,000 pounds of debris from Kaua’i’s shores in 2023 marked a significant contribution to improving ocean health.

Innovation and Volunteer Engagement

To tackle the ongoing threat of marine plastics, Kaua’i Ocean Awareness partnered with another local non- profit: “Hoo malu Ke Kai” and introduced the “Sea Plastics” upcycling machine, supported by Gay & Robinson and the County of Kaua’i. This initiative has transformed trash into treasure and empowered volunteers and interns to engage in sustainable solutions.

Exploration and Citizen Science

The organization’s commitment to citizen science was evident in its night tidepooling and invertebrate workshops for all ages. Whale conservation remained a priority, with regular submissions of photo IDs to “Happy Whale,” contributing to scientific knowledge while engaging the public in hands-on marine research.

Kaua’i Coral Restoration Nursery

In 2024, the organization partnered with DAR , Hoo Malu ke Kai. Org , Kaua’i Sea Farm, University of Hawai’i and the Hawai’i Community Foundation securing Hawaii State permits for the implementation of the Kaua’i Coral Restoration Nursery. This groundbreaking initiative will focus on restoring damaged coral reefs through targeted cultivation and out-planting efforts. The nursery represents a vital step forward in rehabilitating Kaua’i’s coral ecosystems, providing a new avenue for reef resilience amidst the growing threats of climate change and human impact.

Community Participation and Impact

In 2023 and 2024 community involvement was underscored through events like World Ocean Day, Earth Day celebrations, and bi-monthly Lokai’a workdays at Kauai Sea Farm. Collectively, 1,080 volunteers dedicated 10,000 hours of service, underscoring the power of collective action in environmental preservation.

Kaua’i Ocean Awareness is poised for continued growth in 2025, with plans to expand coral restoration efforts, increase youth engagement, and foster deeper connections between the community and the ocean. With a thriving volunteer base and a strong network of partners, the organization remains committed to safeguarding Kaua’i’s marine ecosystems for future generations.