company & team
The Eternal Tides Crew Completes Hawai'i Marine Animal Response (HMAR) Training
ABOUT HMAR
Hawai'i Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the largest nonprofit marine species conservation and response organization based in Hawai'i. HMAR operates primarily on the islands of O'ahu and Molokaʻi, powered by a dedicated team of volunteers, interns, and staff, all supported by a combination of private donations, corporate funding, and government grants.
HMAR's mission unfolds daily, with a focus on three core objectives: (1) educating the community to garner support, (2) mitigating threats to protect and restore protected species and ocean health, and (3) providing essential assistance to animals in distress. These objectives are seamlessly woven into the fabric of our six distinctive programs, each contributing to our ongoing efforts.
Every year, HMAR's outreach, education, field support, interventions, rescues, and stranding response activities bring us closer to our vision of a harmonious coexistence between humans and marine protected animals, including Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds. Join us on this journey as we dive into HMAR's remarkable work and its impact on Hawai'i's ocean ecosystem.
WHAT THE TRAINING ENTAILS
The Eternal Tides crew recently completed the Hawai'i Marine Animal Response Training, making them Hawai'i Marine Stewards. This training focuses on the protection and preservation of Hawai'i's marine wildlife, particularly endemic Hawaiian monk seals, turtles, and sea birds. Several members of the crew are scientists and wildlife guides, making them uniquely qualified to take on this important responsibility.
The training covered a variety of topics, including how to respond to marine animal emergencies, how to properly handle and care for injured animals (don't touch them! call HMAR), and how to minimize the impact of human activity on these fragile ecosystems. The crew also learned about the unique challenges facing Hawai'i's marine wildlife, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
One of the main areas of focus during the training was the Hawaiian monk seal, an endangered species that is found only in Hawai'i. The crew learned about the importance of protecting these animals, as well as the unique challenges that they face, such as habitat loss and fishing net entanglement. They also learned about the ways in which they can help to protect these animals, such as reporting sightings and participating in beach cleanups.
Another important topic covered during the training was the conservation of sea turtles. Hawai'i is home to several species of sea turtles, including the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle, both of which are listed as endangered. The crew learned about the threats facing these animals, such as habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, and ingestion of plastic debris. They also learned about the ways in which they can help to protect these animals, such as supporting efforts to reduce plastic pollution and participating in beach cleanups.
Finally, the crew learned about the conservation of Hawai'i's sea birds. Hawai'i is home to a variety of sea bird species, many of which are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, predation by invasive species, and other factors.
By completing the Hawai'i Marine Animal Response Training, the Eternal Tides crew has become Hawai'i Marine Stewards, committed to protecting and preserving Hawaii's marine wildlife. With their unique skills and knowledge, they are well-equipped to take on this important responsibility and to make a difference in the lives of Hawai'i's marine animals.
