March 22, 2024, 9:00 a.m. (US time)
Tiara Fernandez, who started her career at the Maui Ocean Center as an intern nearly 10 years ago, has been named the aquarium's new director of education.
Fernandez completed her internship in the summer of 2014 while studying marine biology at Hawaii Pacific University, becoming a marine naturalist, then chief naturalist, and now director of education.She has organized various outreach programs and will rim This is a tour where you can touch and taste underwater plants.
“I enjoy educating Maui Ocean Center guests, especially when sharing messages of ocean conservation,” Fernandez said. “It's really rewarding when I can change someone's perspective, whether it's teaching them about the importance of sharks in the marine ecosystem or how corals are living animals.”
Her promotion paved the way for Sarah Peyton to become head naturalist. For the past two years, Peyton, a marine naturalist, has helped organize a new Hawaiian Culture and Botanical Tour for Maui Her Ocean Center.
What is her favorite part of her job? “Everyone we work with is so passionate, motivated and enthusiastic,” Payton said.
In addition to botanical tours held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, marine naturalists lead behind-the-scenes tours beginning at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. .
Daily naturalist-led presentations include speaking with divers inside the aquarium's 750,000-gallon open ocean exhibit at the dive rink at 11 a.m. and in the Turtle Lagoon at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Includes educational talks.
For Maui Ocean Center tickets and tour reservations, visit www.mauioceancenter.com/reservations. If you are interested in joining the Maui Marine Center education team as a marine naturalist or intern, please email Fernandez at: [email protected].
