Biology and Recovery Status of False Killer Whales in Hawai’i

The goal of this study is to monitor the status of an endangered false killer whale population and provide scientific data to guide their recovery and inform conservation strategies.

False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) are a large species of dolphin and are sometimes referred to as “blackfish”. Their name originates from their discovery: they were first described based on fossils and their skull and teeth resemble that of killer whales, so they were named the false killer whales. It is estimated there are 150-200 individuals in the main Hawaiian Islands population, which was listed as “endangered” in 2012. Our research involves locating the endangered population of false killer whales in the Maui Nui region and collecting data to learn more about them and contribute to their recovery.

In order to better inform about and contribute toward the recovery of the main Hawaiian Islands population of false killer whales, we monitor trends in their abundance,  movements, health and population status. Dedicated research surveys are conducted in the Maui Nui region and extend up to 50 miles offshore. Our dedicated research surveys are supplemented by donated ID photos and by sightings collected aboard platforms of opportunity. Searches for false killer whales are opportunistic in nature to maximize the geographic scope of the study area. In addition to our surveys, we will launch a “rapid response” anytime we are notified of sightings in our study area. We encourage ocean users to report their false killer whale sightings to our hotline, 808-HELP-FKW, so that we can launch our dedicated research vessel when false killer whales are within Maui Nui waters, enabling us to collect much-needed scientific data.

We collect a variety of data to gain a broad understanding of individual and population-level metrics, including photo-identification, biological samples, and UAS (unoccupied aerial system; drone) morphometrics.

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