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
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
Tis the season! From the traditional onslaught of holiday-themed commercials (which seem to start earlier each year) to party planning and gift lists, we’re collectively gearing up for a celebratory couple of months — and a huge uptick in unnecessary waste. According to a recent survey of 2,000 U.S. residents who actively participate in a … Continued
Learn more about sustainable seafood and enjoy a responsible recipe as well!
Today, May 20, is Endangered Species Day, a day to celebrate, learn about and take action to protect threatened and endangered species. One of Pacific Whale Foundation’s (PWF) top research priorities is studying the endangered population of false killer whales found in Hawai‘i. False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) are a large species of dolphin belonging … Continued
Author: Mona de Crinis After more than two painstaking years of meticulous planning and myriad design meetings, coupled with delays due to the global pandemic, PacWhale Eco-Adventures — the for-profit social enterprise wholly owned by and benefiting Pacific Whale Foundation — brought brand-new build Ocean Legacy home to Maui’s Lahaina Harbor. While it’s not the … Continued
Each year, an estimated 40 whale-watch tour companies operate in the waters of Maui Nui, ferrying passengers out to sea for the experience of a lifetime — the chance to see majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Factor in other boating activity such as fishing and recreational vessels, and the ocean can become quite … Continued
Recently, PWF’s Conservation team was invited to join Kapa Sungear in their service trip to Kaho’olawe with the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC). The island is currently being held in trust by the KIRC for a future Native Hawaiian sovereign entity, and the group performs a variety of conservation and restoration projects to restore the … Continued
Author: Alicia Wood, PWF Communications Coordinator Long before individual ownership of divided acreage carved up the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiians adhered to a moku-ahupua‘a form of land management. Joining us to discuss this system is Maui native Scott Fisher, Director of ʻAina (land) Stewardship with Hawaiʻi Land Trust (formerly Hawaiian Islands Land Trust). He also teaches a course at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui … Continued
Researchers at Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), a nonprofit organization protecting the ocean through science and advocacy since 1980, dove deep below the surface in a new study that could revolutionize how researchers evaluate the impact of fisheries interactions on dolphin populations. Using dorsal fin, mouth line and underwater body imagery, the latter a first of its kind … Continued
