Maui Whale Festival's Weekend with the Experts

Expert researchers, scientists and photographers from across the U.S. will offer two exciting evenings of free talks, slideshows and video presentations to share their work and latest discoveries about whales and our oceans. Special daytime whalewatch cruises, led by these experts, are also available. See details below.

Friday, February 10:
"Swimming In Trash: Marine Debris and Its Effect on Whales"

 What's the latest on the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch"  and the tsunami debris heading for Hawai'i? What are the impacts of marine debris on marine mammals? Why is Hawaii’s underwater world so unique – and so worthy of protection?

This first evening of the "Weekend with the Experts" features thought-provoking presentations, video and photography by:

* Bill Francis, President, Algalita Marine Research Foundation

*  Dr. Jan Hafner, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa

*  Ed Lyman, Marine Mammal Response Manager at the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

* David Fleetham, renowned marine photographer

The public is invited and admission is free. This event takes place at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Parking is available at the hotel parking lot for a fee.  For information, please visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org or call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1. 

Saturday, February 11:
"In the Presence of Giants"
What is it like to be a lone swimmer photographing the ocean's "giants" -- underwater? What are the latest discoveries about whale social sounds and communication, and the impacts of man-made noise on whales. What is science showing about the impacts of whalewatching -- on humans and whales?  Why are studies of "surprise encounters" and "near misses" important for protecting Hawaii's whales?

This second night of "Weekend with the Experts" features riveting presentations, video and photography by:

* Doug Hoffman: underwater whale photographer

* Dr. Carole Carlson: whale researcher and renowned for her international studies on the impact of whalewatching on whales and whalewatchers. 

* Dr. Daniela Maldini, Chief Scientist at Pacific Whale Foundation

* Dr. Alison Stimpert: National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow, Oceanography Department, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA

The public is invited and admission is free. This event takes place at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Parking is available at the hotel parking lot for a fee.  For information, please visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org or call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1. 

Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12, 2012
Whalewatch Cruises with the Experts
Go whalewatching with the special team of experts that have gathered for the Weekend with the Experts.  Choose from Saturday or Sunday cruises. Departures available from Ma'alaea and Lahaina. Reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.pacificwhale.org or call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.