ACS-University of Hawaii at Hilo
Logo created by Danielle Burnside Art
ACS University of Hawaii-Hilo (ACS-UHH) takes advantage of its unique location and rich marine environment. Humpback whales, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, world famous coral reefs, they have it all in their backyard! With so many wonderful and fragile habitats abounding, there is much to protect. ACS UHH focused on a plethora of issues in their community education. They attend campus events to educate their peers about coral safe sunscreen, climate change, Hawaiian humpback whales, other local cetaceans, and respectful viewing of endangered monk seals.
The group also regularly organizes beach clean ups including the infamous Kamillo beach on the Southern end of the island. Sadly, this beach is famous for it's large accumulation of plastic debris. Kamillo Beach has been featured in documentaries to highlight the importance of tackling the plastics pollution problem.
Student leaders were inspired by the youth of the community after they hosted a table at the Sustainability Fair on campus in which they educated and interacted with hundreds of k-12 children in the community on marine conservation issues.
The ACS University of Hawaii at Hilo group has welcomed guest speakers from local organizations like See Through Sea or Hawaii Uncharted at their meetings.
© Images by Karlee Oyama, ACS UHH alumni during annual whale watch Similar to the ACS UH Manoa group on Oahu, the ACS UHH members also participate in the yearly Ocean Count held through the NOAA Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. This involves contributing to annual shore-based monitoring census by counting humpback whales that migrate to Hawaii from January-March. Their members learn about humpback whale behavior, contribute to ongoing data collection, and promote awareness about humpback whales to ensure their health in the future. The group also partners with their university to take their members out for an exclusive whale watch every winter during humpback whale season! Leaders President- Jazmin Helzer Vice President- Sophie Smith Secretary- Madi Gordanier Treasurer- Charlene Ruiz
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