Pacific Whale Foundation researchers work on applied research projects throughout the Pacific Ocean which support conservation and management outcomes. Since 1980 our researchers have published over 100 peer-reviewed publications, reports, and books that have been used to advance our knowledge and inform better management of whales and dolphins. Our research efforts and funded projects are focused in Hawaii, Australia, Ecuador and Chile and we work in collaboration with researchers all over the globe.
Our long-term goal is to identify and assess major threats to cetaceans around the world and develop science-based solutions to mitigate these problems.
Our researchers work on applied research projects throughout the Pacific that focus on five major threats facing cetaceans. These threats are Bycatch (Fisheries Interactions), Marine Plastic Pollution (Ocean Pollution), Unsustainable Tourism (Tourism Pressure), Vessel Collisions with Marine Animals (Vessel Traffic) and Climate Change. Since 1980, our researchers have published over 100 peer-reviewed publications, reports and books, many of which address these major threats. We design our research to have direct management outcomes and many of our publications have been used to inform the conservation of cetaceans in our different study regions.
Access our scientific publications on our webpage: www.pacificwhale.org/research/publications
The impacts of the five major threats that we identified to cetacean populations are often poorly understood. The goal of our research program is to conduct rigorous scientific studies that:
(1) identify the cetaceans present in important marine eco-regions and assess their population trends;
(2) identify and quantify the extent of the major threats that exist to these populations;
(3) guide mitigation measures, through enhanced management and/or policy;
(4) continue population monitoring to understand the animals’ response to management actions and measure conservation effectiveness.
We conduct three types of research projects:
(1) long-term (20+ years) population monitoring
(2) short-term (3-5 years) projects to measure the impact of specific stressors and identify management outcomes
(3) community science projects to encourage stewardship and supplement our dedicated research efforts
Hawai‘i
Our research was initiated in 1980 and primarily occurs in the Maui Nui region, which is a breeding ground for humpback whales belonging to the Hawai‘i Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and a variety of resident dolphin populations. This region includes the waters surrounding the islands of Maui, Kaho‘olawe, Lana‘i, and Moloka‘i.
Australia
Our research was initiated in 1984 in Hervey Bay, Queensland, which is a mid-migration resting ground for humpback whales on their southern migration. Humpback whales belonging to breeding stock E-1 will visit this sheltered bay as they travel south toward the Antarctic feeding grounds. There are also several dolphin species that are the focus of our research.
Ecuador
Our research in Ecuador began in 2002 and is based in the waters of Machalilla National Park. The town of Puerto Lopéz, in Ecuador’s Manabí province, is the headquarters for Machalilla National Park and the location for our Ecuador offices. Ecuador is a breeding ground for humpback whales belonging to breeding stock G and home to a population of common bottlenose dolphins.
Chile
Centro de Conservación Cetacea (CCC) was founded in 2001. PWF began funding CCC’s Alfaguara (blue whale) project in 2011, upon the recommendation of our former board chair, Carole Carlson, who was a scientific advisor to CCC. Fieldwork takes place around Chiloe Island, in southern Chile. These waters are home to a distinct sub-species of blue whale called the Chilean blue whale, the focus of this project. The scientific name for the Chilean blue whale is proposed to be Balaenoptera musculus chilensis.
Japan
Our collaborative project is based in the waters of Okinawa Island and began in 2021. From January to March, these waters are home to breeding humpback whales belonging to the endangered Western North Pacific DPS of humpback whales.
In an effort to build local capacity, we welcome volunteers from the communities where we operate. If you reside in Hawaii, USA; Hervey Bay, Australia; and/or Puerto Lopez, Ecuador and are interested in volunteering with us, please email the research team to inquire about opportunities: [email protected].
Graduate students currently enrolled in a marine program that would like to partner with Pacific Whale Foundation to analyze or collect data should contact us to discuss potential projects.
We also encourage you to visit our careers webpages for Hawaii and Australia to search for paid positions that are available and may be of interest to you.
