Rene Sylva

Hawaiian botanist (1929-2008)

Rene Sylva (January 1929 – December 28, 2008) was an American botanist. He was born in Paia, Hawaii. He was among the only native Hawaiian fishermen to speak in favor of a ban on fishing green sea turtles.[1]

Rene Sylva at home in Pa'ia, Hawaii. October 2007. Photo: Shannon Wianecki

After giving up a career in turtle fishing, he became involved in the conservation of native Hawaiian ecosystems. He was important for the surveying remote regions of the Hawaiian Islands for native plants.[2]

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