Who we are.
Fishing is part of our culture here in Hawaiʻi. Some fish for sport. Others fish for food or income. We’re not telling people not to fish. (We fish ourselves.) We’re not here to regulate fishing either. We’re a growing ʻohana of ocean-lovers, scientists, watermen and women, and yes, fisher people, who care about our Hawaiian Islands, the culture, and the reefs that surround them.
And we all fish pono.
Our vision.
A Hawaiʻi with thriving, self-sustaining coral reefs and fisheries.
Our goal.
To replenish herbivore populations so they can foster healthy coral reefs.
Our pono ambassadors.
Kimi Werner was raised fishing and freediving on Maui. Her passion for the sea and seafood led to becoming a United States National Spearfishing Champion, a certified culinary chef, an award-winning artist, and a sought after speaker. Her daily life is a pure fusion of her talents, rooted in sustainability and geared toward a healthy future for our ocean.
Nainoa Thompson was raised in Niu Valley on Oʻahu, and was a commercial fishermen early in his career. In 1980, Nainoa was the first Hawaiian to navigate the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s canoe Hokule‘a from Hawai‘i to Tahiti. Nainoa has subsequently become a globally respected spokesperson for the sea and traditional Hawaiian sustainability.
Mark Cunningham was a 30-year career lifeguard on the North Shore of Oʻahu, and arguably the best body surfer in the world, winning many championships. He co-founded the Oʻahu Junior Lifeguard Program, teaching ocean skills training, respect for the ocean, and care for the beach.
Dr. Randy Kosaki was raised on Oʻahu, later learning that he was the adopted brother of Kimi Werner. Like his sister, Randy is an avid freediver and spearfisher. He also regularly fishes from his own boat. Earning his PhD at the University of Hawaiʻi, Randy is the chief marine biologist at the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Brian Keaulana was raised fishing and surfing on the Waianae coast of Oʻahu. He is a renowned lifeguard, professional surfer, water safety advisor, stuntman, stunt coordinator, and movie director. He has trained big wave surfers and shared his water safety expertise broadly, earning global recognition and respect as water safety advisor and a true Hawaiian waterman.
Mahalo to our funders.
Our partners.
Fish Pono—Save Our Reefs is proud to collaborate with these excellent organizations in our mutual goal of saving Hawai‘i’s ocean:
Our scientific advisors.
Dr. Alan Friedlander, Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society
Dr. Mark Hixon, School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai’i
Dr. Randy Kosaki, NOAA, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Dr. Kawika Winter, Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai’i
Creative media and outreach team.
Creativity and Video Production: Jay Evans
Creativity and Radio Production: Dave Rosen
Creativity and Copy/Web Development: Tony Schmiesing
Photography: DAR, Wolcott Henry, Island Focus, Jeff Kuwabara, Ocean Agency, PBS Hawaii, Polynesian Voyaging Society, Julien Roubinet, Keoki Stender, .Bill Walsh, Kimi Werner
Cinematography: Paul Atkins (land), Brian Greene (sea)
Cinematography Support: Gracie Atkins, Sight & Sound Productions
Music: Ken Makuakane
Logo Design: Terry Nii
Public Relations: Sherri Rigg, Glenna Wong
Social Media: Ember Media