‘Marine Science Night’ debuts July 27 

Maui Ocean Center will host its inaugural “Marine Science Night” from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 27, highlighting ocean-themed careers, internships and volunteer opportunities.

Aquarists and naturalists will share personal stories and inspiring insights, often from within the tanks. Guests can also enjoy hands-on interactive scientific activities such as coral feeding. Two diver presentations will be held at the Open Ocean exhibit, and marine science professionals will discuss their career paths inside the Sphere Theater.

“These presentations are meant to connect the dots from interest to participation,” said Mark Matthews, the aquarium’s marketing director. “We have speakers at the beginning of their career, in the middle, and then deep into a career in marine sciences.”

Community partners planning to participate during “Marine Science Night” include:

• Save the Wetlands Hui
• Hawai’i Wildlife Fund
• DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)
• NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary 
• Pacific Whale Foundation
• University of Hawai’i Maui College

Dr. Orion McCarthy, a marine biologist with expertise in coral reef ecology, will be on hand with his team as well. He will also give a free talk, titled “Every Reef Has a Story: A Case Study,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, inside the Sphere Theater.

Admission to “Marine Science Night” is $10 per person (aquarium members and children 3 and younger are free). Food and drinks will be available for purchase at Reef Café. Get tickets now at mauioceancenter.com.

“We look forward to connecting with students, parents and others interested in working to protect our oceans,” said Tiara Fernandez, the aquarium’s education director. “Ten years ago, I started my career here at Maui Ocean Center as an intern before becoming a marine naturalist, then head naturalist and now education director. We want to inspire the next generation looking for a career working with Maui’s incredible marine life.”