Aloha Reader,

After the devastating wildfires in Maui and the destruction of Lahaina on 08/08, I needed a few days to regain my emotional balance. A smaller fire also occurred on the Mauna Kea Beach hotel's grounds, so all together, it hit very close to home.

I've received many heartfelt messages from around the world, and I want to thank everyone who thought of us here in Hawaii. We are doing well.

I'm not one for sending emails for the sake of sending emails, but the last couple of weeks have shown that only a strong community can carry us through tough times. Too many catastrophic natural and man-made disasters are occurring, bringing it even more into focus how much the planet needs you and me to stand up for it and support it in any way we can.

This ties into a recent article about Citizen Science that should encourage, not paralyze you: we all can make a difference - small & big.

CITIZEN SCIENCE

While manta rays have existed for approximately 20 million years, we still don't know a lot about them. Scientists can only do so much to find, identify, and monitor manta rays... that's why they need "Citizen Scientists" to step up and provide them with relevant data.

​In this article, I dive into how Citizen Science can make a sizeable contribution to our knowledge and understanding of marine life; I looked up a couple of fun examples both underwater and above the surface... and most of all, discuss how everyone of you can contribute.

How? Mostly by uploading photos of manta rays taken during diving or snorkeling adventures and by relaying your stories from those experiences.

This way, you can

• Help identify new individuals
• Help track mantas that have already been identified
• Help diagnose injuries and health issues

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And if you've got some extra time, don't forget to comment below the article. Tell us how you've contributed or plan to contribute to Citizen Science projects!

Aloha, Martina ​

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