Is it possible to have long, healthy and happy lives for all people across the globe without destroying our planet’s natural resources? This upcoming talk by Mark Deakos PhD will explore the science of happiness and how pursuing selfish interests can actually be good for the planet.
Don’t miss it! The presentation will take place at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 1, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Pacific Whale Foundation’s classrooms at the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops. (Please note the new later start time. However, the doors will open at 5 pm.) The public is invited and refreshments will be served.
About Mark Deakos:
Mark was fortunate to experience living in various countries around the globe during his early years. A common thread in his life has always been water. At one time a competitive swimmer and water polo player, Mark now spends much of his time in saltwater as an avid scuba diver, free diver, kayaker, and mariner. His chosen career working in wildlife biology and marine research is an extension of his passion for the natural world and his marvel of the ocean environment.
Mark obtained his biology degree from the University of
Waterloo in Canada where he began pursuing his interest in wildlife biology. After working with several avian and reptile species, his interests rapidly returned to the ocean and towards marine mammals, which eventually led him to Hawaii in 1996.
At the University of Hawaii, he completed his master’s degree studying humpback whale behavior, and completed his doctoral degree in 2010 focusing on manta ray ecology. In 2004, he founded The Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research (HAMER), a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation with the mission of better understanding and protecting Hawaii’s marine resources.
Aside from his continued involvement to learn about and protect manta rays here in Hawaii, Mark is the Deputy Program Manager for HDR managing the Navy’s Protected Species Monitoring Program in the Pacific and is an active member of various community groups working towards solutions to some of our greatest environmental threats.