RAMP 2012 Expediton Scientist Profile –
Wataru Kumagai, Undergraduate Student at University of Hawaiʻi

Wataru Kumagai. Credit: C. Wiener and M. Onuma

Role on the expedition:
Fish Survey Team Diver

How I became interested in marine science:
Originally I was a chemistry major and then started taking a biology course and learned about the Marine Option Program at the University of Hawaiʻi. I was able to be entered into the diving program and took the QUEST diving course. It was here where I saw a presentation about the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and learned about the RAMP research initiatives. When I came back to QUEST for a second summer I was offered a role on this year's research expedition.

Why did you want to go to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument:
It's the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, not many people get to come out here. It is an excellent opportunity, and I just jumped at it.

What methods I use for my research:
We use stationary point count, which is a 15 meter imaginary cylinder that is around you when you are underwater. In this imaginary cylinder, you count how many fish and what types of fish you see in that area. You then make sure you enter all your information in the database to be stored and used for comparison at a later date.

Favorite food or meal on the ship:
Beef Stew and the ice cream

Favorite part about being at sea:
The routine of it all: diving, entering data, going to sleep; then getting up and doing the same thing all over again the next day.

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