With an ocean of opportunities, the Maui Ocean
Center always finds new ways to share the sea with its visitors.
Throughout the month of February, the center is hosting the
traveling exhibit, “Archipelago: Portraits of Life in the World’s
Most Remote Island Sanctuary.”
This “on the move” venue features dramatic
photography of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as captured by
renowned artists Susan Middleton and David Liittschwager. The
award-winning team has been photographing endangered animals and
plants around the country since 1986.
“Maui Ocean Center is an ideal venue to display
‘Archipelago’,” explained Kate Zolezzi, the aquarium’s general
manager. “The powerful and dramatic photographs are a perfect
complement to our colorful and lively exhibits, and we all strive
for the same outcome to display Hawaii’s natural beauty in a
meaningful way, as to convey the fragility, uniqueness and ultimate
importance of these Islands.”
Most recently, Middleton and Liittschwager turned
their collective cameras on the flora and fauna of the vast, remote
region stretching some 1,200 miles northwest of Kauai. The
“Archipelago” exhibit results from two years of arduous effort
trekking to the region aboard research vessels. Photographs will be
displayed alongside various center exhibits.
“Archipelago” includes rich portraits of marine and
terrestrial flora and fauna, landscapes and seascapes, and
interpretive imagery and information expressing the biological
exuberance of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These photographs
are also featured in the duo’s new book, Archipelago,
published by National Geographic.
Zolezzi added, “‘Archipelago’ gives Maui visitors
and residents a rare chance to experience the hidden beauty and
spectacular ecological richness of a world that normally is veiled
from the public eye.”
Sea Talk Sees Future
Maui Ocean Center’s free monthly Sea Talk Series
will continue on Tuesday, February 21 at 6 pm with “Marine Mammal
Stranding Considerations.” The revealing program will be presented
by David Schofield, marine mammal response network coordinator of
the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Focusing on 15-plus years of such situations,
Schofield will discuss the numerous challenges faced when marine
mammals are stranded including public safety, the health and
well-being of the animal, and the circumstances surrounding the
stranding event. Topics will cover stranding causes, rescue to
release and the difficult decision-making processes of these
situations.
The mission of the Maui Ocean Center is to foster
understanding, wonder and respect for Hawaii’s marine life. This
state-of-the-art facility was named “Hawaii’s Top Attraction” by
the Zagat Survey US Family Travel Guide. Hours are from 9
a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in July and August.
808-270-7000
www.mauioceancenter.com
