Pacific Whale Foundation was founded in Maui, Hawai‘i in 1980 to protect humpback whales from extinction. Since that time, we have expanded our efforts and also conduct research in Ecuador as well as research and whale watching in Australia. Although whale season won’t resume in Hawaiʻi until later in...
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Did you know that YOU have the power to aid scientists in conducting research on marine life and their environment by becoming a community scientist? What is community science? Community science is the vital collaboration between researchers and the public to execute scientific projects...
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Hawai‘i residents and marine mammal enthusiasts likely remember the breaking story on August 29, 2019, concerning a pod of 11 pygmy killer whales, a species of dolphin, that stranded on a beach in North Kihei on the island of Maui. Of the...
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Research activities conducted under NMFS research permit #21321 and the UAV operator holds an unmanned aerial system (UAS) license certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Drones are more popular than ever, and it is no surprise due to their increase...
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The unmitigated rush of witnessing a breaching whale or a pod of dolphins playfully escorting a vessel as it churns through ocean waters has resulted in a rapidly expanding global whale-watching industry that annually generates billions of dollars in revenue....
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Written by Research Analyst Florence Sullivan Looking back on a turbulent year, the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Research Department is grateful for the unceasing support of our members, donors, and supporters. Like everyone, we had to adapt our operations to accommodate safety measures,...
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This past year has been uniquely challenging, 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. Despite the many limitations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to continue engaging our audience with educational programs, raising funds via a...
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Author: Conservation Coordinator Shelby Serra Research conducted opportunistically aboard PWF Eco-Adventures Australia's commercial vessel. Whales were not approached closer than 100 meters, per Australian regulations Intimately observing a humpback whale breach or a mother lovingly shepherd her calf below the brine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience rich with promise. As discussed in the previous...
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Imagine that you’re out enjoying the waters of Maui Nui. From the bow of the boat, you spy a dark shape in the distance. As you draw closer, the impressive black sea creature comes into clear view, eliciting a shiver...
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Thanks to our wonderful members, donors, and PacWhale Eco-Adventures passengers, our researchers had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain in December 2019 to attend the World Marine Mammal Conference. This conference was truly one-of-a-kind because it represented a combined meeting for...
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