Ocean Elders back up talk of protecting environment

We caught a delicious ono today and made sushi, fish soup, fried fish and coconut fish. The dorsal fin was harvested for a science experiment. 

It is sunset just north of the equator, and as I look out at the horizon, the deep blue sea feels infinitely healthy and appears to know no bounds. Yet climate change is real and the world’s fisheries are threatened. The Ocean Elders, an independent association of global leaders dedicated to protecting the ocean and its wildlife, has offered its spirited support for the Worldwide Voyage and its mission, Malama Honua (Caring for the Earth).

The Ocean Elders variously represent royalty, rock ’n’ roll, private business and academia. Several members have served in high-level government posts. They are the real deal, unlike some others who are trying to capitalize on climate change.

“Going green” is in vogue, so it is to be expected that many large firms would like to remake themselves in the public eye to appear more socially responsible and environmentally friendly. Among the first to get on the bandwagon were some of the petroleum-based energy giants. We’ve all seen ads that capture a scene from nature with a claim to be working for a better tomorrow.

For some corporations the perspective is only skin deep, and the effort to look cleaner or more concerned about the future of the public good is left with the marketing department. Other corporations will actually dip their toe in the water, create a nonprofit arm or even a small research and development initiative. Yet when the primary effort is fracking, strip-mining or clear-cutting, these nominal efforts can be misleading.

The Ocean Elders, however, demonstrate that it is possible to be a high-net-worth individual, have an Ivy League education or an inherited high social position and still be wholly dedicated to the global environment toward the benefit of many. Several of these extraordinary people flew to Hawaii for the recent send-off of Hokuleʻa and Hikianalia from the Marine Education Training Center. 

Sylvia Earle, the first Ocean Elder, joined in the festivities. She is a National Geographic Society Explorer in residence and former chief scientist of NOAA. Her TED prize award in 2009 served as a catalyst to bring the group together.

Also present was Capt. Don Walsh, U.S. Navy (retired), who is an oceanographer, explorer and former submarine captain. He still holds the rec­ord for having submerged to the greatest depth under the ocean, a rec­ord set more than 50 years ago.

They were joined by Jean-Michel Cou­steau, son of ocean explorer Jacques Cou­steau. Jean-Michel has investigated the world’s oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone for much of his life. Honoring his heritage, he founded the Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work.

Ocean Elder Jackson Browne, renowned musician, also attended the launch. He was the recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, given to artists whose works exemplify the environmental and social values that were essential to the great Cali­for­nia-born author. He also received Duke University’s LEAF award for Lifetime Environmental Achievement in the Fine Arts.

The compilation of scientists, business leaders, philanthropists and entertainment icons also includes Prince Albert II of Monaco, Sir Richard Branson, Dr. Rita Colwell, Graeme Kelleher, Sven Lindblad, Queen Noor of Jordan, Ted Turner, Neil Young and, most recently, James Cameron. Also a member is our own Nai­noa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and master navigator. He currently sails onboard Hokuleʻa just a quarter-mile ahead of those of us on Hikianalia. 

Hokuleʻa and Hikianalia have so far avoided the doldrums on the first international leg en route from Hilo to Tahiti. This seems to bode well for the Worldwide Voyage and its mission of Malama Honua. It is an honor to know that the Ocean Elders are with us.

———

Note: At the request of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Zunin is serving as medical officer for the crews aboard Hokuleʻa and Hikianalia during the first leg of the international portion of the Worldwide Voyage, to Tahiti. He will fly home July 5.

———

Ira "Kawika" Zunin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is a practicing physician. He is medical director of Manakai o Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com.