The OBAMA FISH!

Recently a new BASSLET fish was discovered in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument -- and it has been named for President Obama -- Tosanoides Obama.

In 2006 President Bush set aside about 140,000 square miles of marine national monument that was later expanded by President Obama in 2016.

*Papahanaumokuakea is the name of the place where this newly discovered fish lives, but don't let that long name intimidate you. Many long Hawaiian words are actually made up of smaller words, so here it is broken down.

PAPA - Earth Mother --HANAU - Birth
MOKU - Island  - AKEA - Sky/Father

It "sounds like this" pa-pa-hah-now-mo-koo-ah-keh-ah, and translated it describes a fertile woman giving birth to a wide stretch of islands beneath a benevolent father sky.

The political side to this issue relates to the fact that Trump is expected soon to issue an executive order repealing the Obama administration’s moratorium on new federal land leases for coal mining. Trump appointee, Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke, is responsible for those leases, and has come out strongly against Obama’s moratorium.  (source thehill.com) At his confirmation hearing, Zinke endorsed long-held Republican policies like allowing more oil and natural gas drilling.

Carved from Koa - approx 7-8" -- $29

But he also came out strongly in favor of conservation priorities that Democrats hold dear, and promised to oppose large-scale transfers of federal land to state or private interests. This apparent commitment helped secure the necessary Democrat votes for his confirmation.  If you would like to express your opinion on retaining these federal protected lands, you can contact the Department of the Interior: feedback@ios.doi.gov 

Carved from Ironwood, hand tinted, approx 10-11 -$50

Of course Phil has already created the design for an OBAMA FISH and will craft them from Koa (sample) adding to his collection of hand-carved Hawaiian Reef Fish. He is also considering doing a hand tinted version like the one I GOT!!! for Mother's Day (made from Big Island Ironwood.)
If you would like your own OBAMA FISH, just email us:  haysmer@sonic.net

** Links to additional info on the Papahanaumokuekea National Monument
National Geographic article
Washington Post - Obama Fish