Newsmaker
Monday, May 11, 1998
Name: Emily Gardner
Age: 36
Position: Marine protected-species coordinator
Education: University of Delaware, University of Hawaii
Hobbies: Surfing, swimming, running
Born in landlocked Harrisburg, Pa., Emily Gardner's first trip to the seashore at age 3 marked her destiny. She watches whale watchers
"I never questioned it," she said. "I always knew I wanted to work with the ocean."
Gardner today watches those who watch whales, both tourists and scientists alike.
She is the state's marine protected-species coordinator, working as a liaison for scientific research, the state's management of protected marine species, and the public.
Scientists wishing to research marine mammals and sea turtles in Hawaii's waters must apply first to Gardner for a permit (the Navy didn't apply when it tested low-frequency sounds on singing humpback whales this spring, because the experiments took place 10 miles offshore, in federal waters).
In Hawaii waters, Gardner currently keeps tabs on about nine whale research projects, three turtle projects, and a few each on dolphins and monk seals.
Hawaii has approximately 27 marine mammals and five species of sea turtles living or visiting its waters, said Gardner, who earned a master's and law degree from the University of Hawaii. The fin, humpback and sperm whale are endangered, as well as the leatherback and hawksbill turtles.
Hawaii's most endangered sea animal is the monk seal.
"They're not doing very well," Gardner said. "They had the worst pup mortality rate on record in 1997. They need help." The monk seal is the nation's second most endangered marine mammal, behind right whales.
Scientists share their research findings with Gardner, who in turn shares the cutting-edge information with the state to help manage protected ocean species.
Gardner also uses the information to promote responsible wildlife watching. She develops public-service campaign spots for TV, which give guidelines for viewing wildlife.
She recommends people watch sea animals from a distance, respecting their space. Many times, through ignorance, people have bothered monk seals, who sleep on Hawaii beaches by day after hunting at night.
"They'll splash water on them and try pushing them back in the water. Or they clap and wake them up to take a picture," Gardner said. "The seals are trying to sleep. People need to respect that.
"We don't want to discourage viewing, but we don't want to disrupt their natural behaviors." Touching marine mammals violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act, she added.
The best part of Gardner's job is when she gets to watch the sea animals herself.
"It's when I feel at home."
By Lori Tighe, Star-Bulletin
