Monika Mira is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and long time Hawaii resident. She first learn to identify Hawaiian fishes nearly 20 years ago as a volunteer for the UH Sea Grant information desk at Hanauma Bay. At that time, she found that it was easier to learn to identify the fishes if she painted or illustrated them. These initial illustrations became the inspiration for The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book. Since then, Monika has worked on numerous projects to help conserve Hawaii’s natural resources, from teaching marine science, to conducting biological stream surveys for the Deparment of Health, to co-authoring a watershed restoration plan for the Nawiliwili Watershed and most recently, working as the conservation specialist for the Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Monika’s first love however, has always been art. She has been painting and drawing since she can remember. Her paintings and illustrations have appeared in newsletters, on T-shirts and on greeting cards both here in Hawaii and on the mainland. The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book offered her the perfect opportunity to combine her talents. Monika’s concern for the environment has lead Lucid Publishing to seek out more environmentally friendly printing options. As a result, The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book is now being printed on recycled paper.