In response to Rick Gaffney's words, “They don’t really have a place at the IUCN because they basically disregard science.” He assumes that Wespac and anyone associated with them is a bunch of animal haters and science deniers. This is hurtful. I attended and participated in the IUCN conference last week. Wespac paid for my trip but didn't tell me what to do, this was an opportunity for me to learn and make connections with people. Last month I was honored to be accepted (I applied) as an alternate advisory panel volunteer for Kauai. I love the ocean, marine life, and appreciate where I live. We are lucky to live in Hawaii. The IUCN conference was very intense for me, and I was shown I wasn't welcome there by a few. Little do they know that I am an animal lover and activist, I don't get paid for my involvements, and that I enjoy conversations about the environment. I may not have a fancy science degree but I want to save our world too. I want to save our fishing rights in Hawaii. sm