devon stapleton

Marine Debris technician i

Hometown: Point Richmond, California

Current Residence: Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Growing up sailing, surfing, and exploring the coasts of California, Devon learned her love for the ocean, and learned her strong dislike of the cold. That led her to pursue her B.S. in Marine Biology at UH Mānoa, where she continued to learn about the ocean, compete on the UH varsity sailing team, and defrosted a bit. Devon is now a professional yapper (Education and Outreach Associate) for the Division of Aquatic Resources Protected Species Program, where she works with the community to reduce threats to endangered and threatened marine species in Hawaiʻi. She also supports some response work, like assisting with tagging and de-hooking seals when needed, and some research efforts, like the photo identification of oceanic whitetip sharks with the Hawaiʻi Community Tagging Program. Devon is excited for the opportunity to go back up to Papahānaumokuākea and to do work that directly helps protected species in Hawaiʻi.