Our marine environment in the Hawaiian Islands is suffering from problems related to rising sea levels, salt water intrusion, sediment run-off, development, bacterial growth and pollution.
Our rivers, bays and surrounding waters are not efficiently studied or safe-guarded. Several non-profit groups do surface water sampling and other important work but currently there are very few scientist conducting regular studies of the reefs, marine life and the effects of these stressors nearshore and in deep water environments.
As a marine biologist and surfer Terry Lilley is in Hanalei Bay or surrounding waters almost daily and has done over 300 scuba dives in the bay since 2006. He’s also done numerous dives around Kaua’i and the other major island in Hawaii. On these dives, documented in High Definition Video, we can see with our own eyes the progression of problems in terms of the healthy of the reefs and marine life, from coral die-off, sick sea turtles, algae growth and invasive species like the roi (peacock grouper).
Terry has enlisted the help of photographer and mixed media designer Jon Mancuso as video editor and web designer. Terry’s videos are edited weekly and featured on our blog to help educate the public, school science classes, and government officials throughout the islands. Terry and Underwater2Web have been featured on CNN, KHON, KGMB, as well as many local newspapers such as The Garden Island and MidWeek.
We are not a political action group . We focus on scientific research of which we give away freely. We believe it is of vitalk importance to the health of Hawaiian waters, as well as the health of surfers, fisherman, divers, kayakers, tourist, moms, dads and keiki who venture into these waters, that the watershed and marine environment are studied and the findings be made transparent so good decisions can be made in a community effort.
Presently we are seeking business and private funding for our underwater research projects and school education programs. We have a 5013c non-profit “The Hanalei River Heritage Foundation” for tax-deductible donations. Your business could benefit from positive exposure by supporting these efforts to educate and become caretakers of the environment. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated, not only by us but by everyone who loves Hawai’i and hopes to preserve it for future generations. Mahalo!
You can reach Terry @ underwater2web@gmail.com