• Malama Kai Foundation October ReefTalks on Thursday, October 22 from 6-8 PM

    October 12, 2026
    Join Malama Kai Foundation on Thursday, October 22nd at The Thirsty Gecko for their next ReefTalks: “Untangling jelly webs in 3D: Diversity and ecology of Big Island jellies”  with special guests Dr. Kelly Sutherland and Dr. Kevin Du Clos to learn about these bizarre and amazing animals and how they contribute to ocean food webs.

    Event Details:

    Time:6-8 PM 

    Location:
    The Thirsty Gecko, 
    74-5588 Pawai Place, 
    Kailua-Kona. 

    October Guest Speakers:

    Dr. Kelly Sutherland - Professor of Biology, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon
    Dr. Kelly Sutherland is a marine scientist focused on how planktonic animals interact with the fluid around themselves to feed and move efficiently in the open ocean. During hundreds of hours underwater with oceanic creatures, her group’s research has brought attention to the central, yet under-appreciated, roles that gelatinous animals (jellyfish and other watery animals) play in marine ecosystems.

    Dr. Kevin Du Clos -  Assistant Professor of Biological Oceanography, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
    Dr. Kevin Du Clos is a biological oceanographer whose research focuses on how individual marine organisms interact with large ocean processes. His lab uses imaging techniques and computer modeling to explore how a range of marine organisms, including phytoplankton, oysters, and jellyfish swim, sink, and feed.

    The monthly educational series brings together ocean enthusiasts, community members, and conservation advocates to learn more about Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems and the importance of ocean stewardship.