Leadership: Hannah Bernard
Hawaii’s sea life owes this marine biologist a big mahalo.
By Sarah Brueggeman
Coastal Living Magazine

MAUI, HAWAII — 2006 — Hannah Bernard began taking bold steps to protect the ocean 25 years ago. “In 1971, there was a huge oil spill in the Bay Area,” she says. “I skipped school, something I never did, to help with the cleanup. I was 14 years old, and my destiny was sealed.”

Her fate: a commitment to saving aquatic animals. After working around the country as a marine biologist for such esteemed organizations as the National Marine Fisheries Service, Greenpeace, and Earthtrust, Hannah co-founded Hawai’i Wildlife Fund.

This nonprofit group works with islanders to preserve threatened species. Hannah heads eight programs that intertwine education, research, and conservation. Volunteers and staff monitor hawksbill sea turtles’ nesting activities, collaborate with fishermen about resource management, and teach thousands of visitors and residents to respect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem.

Another program protects and tracks rare monk seals. Hannah has followed one, named Makana, for nine years. The friendly seal recently had a pup. “We have pictures of mom and the baby,” Hannah says. “I feel like I’m an auntie, a caretaker.”

Watching the cycle of life inspires Hannah’s mission. “We have to think in terms of the future,” she says. “Our leaders need to be more courageous when making decisions and saying no to certain practices. We have to leave a legacy for the next generation.”

For more, visit wildhawaii.org.

Back to top