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
During a tranquil lunch on the ocean, following our morning transect surveys, our research team witnessed an unexpected event in the midst of observing a nearby group of humpback whales. The team realized that the whales were headed toward them and decided to put their camera in the water to document the behavior. What they … 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
Members of Pacific Whale Foundation’s Research team recently attended the 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Florida. This important conference brought together scientists, policymakers, managers and advocates for five days of presentations, workshops and constructive dialogue. Four team members attended the conference with support from PWF Member Grant Crosby who donated … Continued
Ocean Guardians, created by PWF Documentary Filmmaker Selket Kaufman, recounts the journey of humpback whales as they migrate between Alaska and Hawai‘i while illuminating PWF’s ongoing work to save the species and restore the delicate balance between humankind and marine life.
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
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
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
PWF Research recently released a study showing that beach goers on Maui are still littering their used cigarette filters despite the prohibitive law passed by Maui County in 2014 and the state of Hawai‘i in 2015. The goal of this policy at both the county and state level was to reduce cigarette filter litter by … 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
