On January 19, 2022, off the coast of Maui, Hawai‘i, an unprecedented event was recorded for the first time — two humpback whales copulating. While this observation is remarkable on its own, this story has a remarkable twist – the encounter involved two male whales. Humpback whales have long been subjects of fascination for researchers … Continued
This year, our environmental education program in Ecuador embarked on a remarkable journey with the ambitious goal of distributing 1000 “Viajeros del Oceano” books to sixth and seventh-grade students ranging in age from 10 to 12. Spearheaded by our Ecuador Programs Director, Dr. Cristina Castro, in collaboration with experts from organizations such as Migramar, Baby … Continued
Many of our supporters have contacted us following news of the devastating Maui wildfires, offering their aloha and kōkua (help), and wondering how this disaster might impact the whales and dolphins we strive to protect. Indeed, wildfires have far-ranging impacts to terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that affect ocean inhabitants, including whales and dolphins. At Pacific … Continued
As another year of protecting the ocean through science and advocacy and inspiring environmental stewardship comes to a close, Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) takes a look back at some of 2022’s greatest accomplishments in our Research, Education and Conservation programs. Research Research activities conducted under appropriate research permits and following animal ethics approval. The drone … Continued
By Mona de Crinis From the tiniest bacteria to the largest whales, biodiversity is critical to the enduring health of all living things. Very simply stated, biodiversity describes the abundant variety of life on Earth, in all its forms, functions and interactions. It’s important to note that biodiversity concerns are not limited to species we … Continued
Wondering what PWF’s Research, Education and Conservation programs accomplished last year? Find out here! RESEARCH With more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific and conservation-focused publications, reports and books published since 1980, PWF researchers work to identify and assess major threats to cetaceans around the world and develop science-based solutions to mitigate these issues. In 2021, we … Continued
Peak whale-watching season is currently underway in Australia! Pacific Whale Foundation was established on Maui in 1980 to protect humpback whales from extinction and our research and conservation programs began in Australia not long after – 1984. We also conduct exciting and educational whale-watching ecotours in Australia to help fund this vital work. Travel along with us as we share an update on our ecotours and Research, … Continued
This past year has been uniquely difficult, but good things happen even during the toughest of times. As the first month of 2021 comes to a close, we would like to reflect on the positives experienced at Pacific Whale Foundation.
In what seemed like an instant, our lives have become almost entirely dependent on screens. As we navigate this transition, it is important to consider the benefits — and concerns — of this new virtual world we live in. Although opinions vary, many have tried to answer the question, “How much is too much … Continued
February 2018, Pacific Whale Foundation’s founder Greg Kaufman passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. A pioneer in noninvasive humpback whale research in the mid-1970s, Greg founded Pacific Whale Foundation in 1980 to educate the public, from a scientific perspective, about whales and their ocean habitat. ‘A Voice for Whales’ was created to tell … Continued
