NOAA SANCTUARY
HOSTS WHALE OF A DAY FOR VOLUNTEERS
Whale-watching from Hawai`i's coastline took on heightened
meaning today for hundreds of participants in the first event of the
2002 NOAA Sanctuary Ocean Count. More than 700 residents and
visitors joined together to tally sightings and document
above-surface behavior of humpback whales in the count, sponsored by
the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Preliminary ocean count results indicate good news for the
endangered humpback whales which migrate in winter to Hawaiian
waters to breed, calve and nurse. Approximately 1,200 sightings of
the whales were reported from 65 sites on O`ahu, Kaua`i and the Big
Island during a four hour period.
"The ocean count is a unique opportunity to learn about Hawai`i's
humpbacks and to contribute to on-going research. It's wonderful to
see that so many people respond to our call for volunteers," says
Christine Brammer, Sanctuary Ocean Count Coordinator.
According to sanctuary officials, this year's ocean count results
appear to confirm scientifically-conducted studies, showing Hawaii's
humpback whale population has been increasing at an annual rate of 7
percent for the last ten years. The research suggests Hawaiian
waters provide critical breeding habitat for an estimated 5,000
whales, which amounts to three-quarters of the North Pacific
stock.
Along with numerical findings, this year's ocean count drew rave
reviews from participants. "During last year's ocean count, we saw a
mother-calf pair. It's hard to explain the feeling I have when I see
a whale. It is spine-tingling," said Fitha Dahana, who joined
co-workers from the Pacific Gateway Center to volunteer at the Magic
Island ocean count site.
The whale-counters at Magic Island also included many visitors,
who, much like the whales, are winter returnees to Hawai`i. "We've
participated in the event for the past three years. The size of
humpbacks is so mind-boggling. It's amazing to see something so huge
shoot out of the water like a rocket," said Theresa Selinske of
Ontario, Canada.
Two more Sanctuary Ocean Counts are scheduled for February 23 and
March 30. Final results of the ocean count are due to be analyzed
and compiled by sanctuary-appointed researcher Daniela Maldini. For
more information on becoming a Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteer
contact the appropriate Sanctuary office. On the Big Island call
1-888-55-WHALE. On Oahu call 397-2656. On Kaua'i call
1-808-246-2860. A whale count on Maui is conducted independently by
the Pacific Whale Foundation.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is
administered by a partnership of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and State of Hawai`i Department of Land
and Natural Resources.
