International Presentation Connecting NSW with Hawaii’s Makai Watch (Ocean Watch)
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 6 pm.
Presentation by Kirk Deitschman, Makai Watch Coordinator, State of Hawaii
Makai Watch is based on the idea that people who use, live, or deal with natural and cultural resources are the best champions for understanding nature in the area. Since 2000, Makai Watch has developed a groundswell of local support for ocean stewardship, with volunteers joining in masses this collaborative education, monitoring and enforcement outreach program. The program’s management practices are a reflection of the Hawaiian system of ahupuaʻa (mountain to sea), led by konohiki (caretakers) and the aha councils (groups of experts). The system is about recognising those who use natural resources are responsible for the ecosystem’s health.
This partnership between government, NGOs, and community does widespread awareness raising, inside and outside of Marine Protected Area locations. Volunteers help with activities, such as education on fishing bag limits, general appreciation, and are the ‘eyes and ears’ that look out for their resources. They play a direct role in reducing inappropriate use of those resources, playing a similar role to Friends of Cabbage Tree Bay, a volunteer group run by the Northern Beaches Council, who are the ocean stewards of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Sydney.
We hope this presentation inspires participants to be a part of a vision to help create a community education and enforcement network along NSW’s beautiful coast. This vision has formed from a working group in the NSW Sanctuary Alliance, which NPA NSW and AMCS are co-convenors of. All are welcome to attend!