Greg Kaufman — a pioneer of the global ‘Save the Whales’ movement whose passion for the ocean continues to inspire conservation worldwide.
The Global Movement That Saved the Whales Whales have long stirred the human imagination. From their presence in Hawaiian legends to their portrayal in classics like Moby-Dick, these giants of the sea embody both mystery and inspiration. Yet by the late 1970s, reality overshadowed myth: humpback whales were on the brink of extinction. In the … Continued
A juvenile false killer whale, its face clearly visible, documented by Selket Kaufman alongside the Pacific Whale Foundation research team. What is a False Killer Whale? Despite their name, false killer whales (FKW) are not whales at all—they’re actually part of the dolphin family. Known as blackfish, these sleek, intelligent marine mammals were named for … Continued
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
