RESEARCH

Our applied research projects advance global cetacean conservation and management.

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EDUCATION

Our student educational programs and activities inspire tomorrow’s ocean protectors.

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CONSERVATION

Our public policy and advocacy work mobilizes community support for ocean protection.

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5 major threats to marine animals

Our programs work to mitigate the 5 Major Threats to whales and dolphins identified through ongoing research.

VESSEL COLLISIONS WITH MARINE ANIMALS

NMFS/MMHSRP Permit #18786-06 and NMFS/MMPA Permit #21321

UNSUSTAINABLE TOURISM

MARINE PLASTIC POLLUTION

BYCATCH

CLIMATE CHANGE

Photo Credits: Shutter Stock

FIND OUT THE MANY WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Your tax-deductible contribution helps fund ocean protection efforts across the Pacific. Mahalo for your support.

TRENDING NOW AT THE FOUNDATION

Ever wonder how to tell a male and female humpback

Ever wonder how to tell a male and female humpback whale apart?
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It is difficult to visually determine a male from a female - unless you are lucky enough to find a mom with a calf! Luckily, we have a few other tricks up our sleeves to tell the difference between the sexes. If the whales roll over onto their backs, we can see the genital slit on their abdomen. The relative location of the genital slit offers some clues: For males, the genital slit is located closer to the whale’s belly, while the females’ genital slit is closer to their tail. Females also have a grapefruit-sized lump between the genital slit and anus known as a hemispherical lobe. No one knows what exactly this structure does, but we do know that it is only present on females. Lastly, female humpback whales have nipples located inside mammary slits, one on either side of the genital slit, for nursing their calves.

Research activities authorized under NMFS/MMPA permit #27099. The UAS pilot holds FAA Part 107 authorization.
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#humpbackwhales #marineresearch #mauihawaii #PacificWhaleFoundation

How many spotted dolphins are there around the 4-i

How many spotted dolphins are there around the 4-island region of Maui Nui? 🐬 Good question! PWF researchers are working to answer just that using our long-term photo-identification catalog.

During our research surveys we capture photos of spotted dolphins and identify individuals by their unique dorsal fin markings. We track these individuals over time when we recapture them again during subsequent surveys. We then calculate survival and capture probabilities to generate an abundance estimate that can be extended to all spotted dolphins (including those without marked dorsal fins – such as most calves). Recent abundance estimates are needed for proper management and conservation of Maui Nui’s spotted dolphins. Stay tuned for our results that will help fill that critical information gap!

Research activities are conducted under NMFS/MMPA Research Permit #27099 and #21476.
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#spotteddolphins #maui #mauihawaii #marineresearch #abundanceestimates

Winter Break Ocean Camp registration is now open!

Winter Break Ocean Camp registration is now open! Ocean Camp is an amazing opportunity for campers from grades 2-8 to learn about the ocean and Maui’s natural environment while developing useful skills and making new friends! Each session includes hands-on science lessons, team-building games, expressive crafts and daily field trips including a 3-hour private snorkel trips on PacWhale Eco-Adventures vessels. We hope you can join us for one of the following sessions this winter:

🤿 Ocean Camp for grades 2-5 is now booking for Dec 26-29, 2023,
🔬 Ocean Camp: A Deeper Dive for grades 6-8 now booking for Jan 2-5, 2024

Each weekly session accommodates a maximum of 20 campers, so sign up now for a Winter Break camp!

Find more info and sign up at the link in bio!
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Photo: Selket Kaufman

#PacificWhaleFoundation #OceanCamp

Join us for a free For Da Keiki community event!

Join us for a free For Da Keiki community event!
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We welcome home our seasonal migrating whales by providing educational activities and opportunities to learn more about ways to mālama the ʻāina. The event includes Games, Activities, Entertainment, and Prizes.
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#ForDaKeiki #PacificWhaleFoundation #PWF #fordakeikievent