Awards to recognize
reef protection efforts

Organizations, businesses and individuals who take care of Hawaii's coral reefs will be honored Aug. 17 at the Hawaii Living Reef Awards.

Nominees in six categories will be recognized by the Coral Reef Outreach Network, a coalition of government, scientific and environmental agencies working to promote awareness of Hawaii's coral reefs.

Hawaii's reef ecosystem is home to more than 7,000 known species of marine plants and animals, many of them found only here. There are four Industry Division categories:

» Fisheries (aquaculture, commercial, aquarium trade)
» Ocean recreation (dive shops, snorkeling tours, whale watching, etc.)
» Travel/visitor industry (hotels, cruise lines, car rentals, etc.)
» Business (corporations and small business)

There are also two Community Division categories:

» Nonprofit organizations (individuals and groups)
» Education (students, student groups, teachers)

Awards will be presented at a luncheon at the Ala Moana Hotel. Pre-sale tickets are $25 per person for network members and $30 for nonmembers. After Aug. 10, tickets will be $35.

Call 947-3101 for tickets.