Today we visited NELHA, went to a charter school that is based around marine life, and hiked from the top of a cliff to a black sand beach. At NELHA we learned about many different types of renewable ocean energy sources. NELHA is a nonprofit organization that works as a research support group, a business incubator, and helps economic development. We learned that Hawai’i uses more fossil fuels than any other state, so they set a goal to be completely dependent on renewable energy by 2045. We saw their Monk Seal center, in which they help malnourished Monk Seals and newborn monk seals survive by feeding them and teaching them how to survive once they are in the wild. The Monk Seal is the most endangered aquatic animal in America, and their are only 4-5 near the big island. To feed malnourished Monk seals, they shove a tube down their throat and then use a large syringe to pump fish mash into their stomachs (the fish mash is sometime also mixed with things to help pass tape works, vitamins, and electrolytes). At the school, they had many fish tanks for different species. What I thought was cool about these tanks is that the students make them as projects and are graded for it. Something I also thought was interesting about the school is that they didn’t have enough money to buy parts for robotics, so the students could 3D print various parts that they need. My favorite part of the day was the hike. The view from the cliff of the beach and the mountains was amazing. We explored the beach, which had both rocks and sand that were black, and the trails around it, which was covered by trees and cool plants. I am most excited for our dive tomorrow. I can’t wait to finally get in the water and dive. I am excited specifically about this dive because it is a 2 tank dive, and I have never done a 2 tank dive. I am curious to see how far we can see, I’m hoping the water is crystal clear.
Link to information on Hawaiian Monk Seals:
http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/education/marine-mammal-information/pinnipeds/hawaiian-monk-seal/
