WHAT WE DO

Protecting Our Oceans through Science and Advocacy

Pacific Whale Foundation is committed to ensuring the health of our ocean ecosystems, and works collaboratively amongst its research, conservation and education departments to achieve this mission.   

We advocate on the behalf of whales, dolphins and  marine animals, as well as do our part by promoting  sustainable practices and educating individuals on the  importance of "going green"!  Join us in making a difference for our oceans!  

Pacific Whale Foundation Conservation Highlights: 

  •  Stop Whaling – Pacific Whale Foundation is an ongoing participant in the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, and works to put an end to commercial whaling. 
  • Sustainable Whale Watching – Pacific Whale Foundation promotes responsible whale watching as a sustainable alternative to commercial whaling. 
  • “Be Whale Aware” – December to May is whale season in Hawai’i!  Practice safe and responsible boating by following our Be Whale Aware guidelines.
  • Superferry Stopped – Through expert testimony, public information campaigns, government meetings and vocal opposition, Pacific Whale Foundation successfully stopped the operation of a high-speed ferry in whale calving areas.
  • “Be Dolphin Wise” – Help us advocate for responsible dolphin-watching through our Be Dolphin Wise awareness program
  • Keep Dolphins Free – Pacific Whale Foundation was instrumental in the historic movement to ban the display of captive whales and dolphins in Maui County. 
  • Save Hawai’i Reef Fish – Every year the commercial aquarium collecting industry removes thousands of fish from our reef systems.  Pacific Whale Foundation continues fighting to end commercial aquarium collecting in Hawai’i.
  • Bag Ban – Plastic is the number one polluter of our world’s oceans.  Pacific Whale Foundation promotes sustainable practices, and testified in support of Maui County’s ban on plastic grocery bags.
  • Clean Beaches – Through our Volunteering on Vacation Program and staff participation, Pacific Whale Foundation has removed thousands of pounds of marine debris from Maui’s beaches.
  • Sustainable Seafood – Pacific Whale Foundation partners with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program to promote seafood that is sourced from healthy populations and caught with minimal impact to the environment.
  • Saved!  False Killer Whales – Pacific Whale Foundation gathered thousands of petition signatures, as well as provided scientific testimony, in favor of designating Hawai’i insular false killer whales as endangered.  
  • Noise Pollutes – Pacific Whale Foundation provided testimony and advocated against U.S. Navy plans to conduct LFA SONAR Testing in Hawai’i.