Randall K. Kosaki

[4][5] Kosaki received his Bachelor's of Arts degree with a focus on marine biology in 1985 at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

From October 2002 to March 2008, Kosaki was Research Coordinator for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve.

[1][6] Kosaki specializes in the use of advanced dive technology, such as closed-circuit rebreathers, that allow him to explore the mesophotic zone (150–330 ft.

[9] Kosaki was involved in finding a new invasive algae species, Chondria tumulosa, at Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2016.

[10][11] In June 2016, Kosaki was part of the group of scientists that discovered a new butterflyfish species at Kure Atoll in the PMNM.

Kosaki being approached by a Galapagos shark at PMNM
Kosaki with a spotted moray eel at Maro Reef.
Tosanoides obama in a holding tank on NOAA ship Hi'ialakai after collection.