Humpback Whale Ocean Count 2010

Each winter, a portion of the North Pacific humpback whale population migrates from their feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is dedicated to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii. The Sanctuary Ocean Count was initiated as a means to provide Hawaii residents and visitors with the opportunity to observe humpback whales in their breeding grounds by conducting a yearly shore-based census during the peak breeding season. It also serves as a tool to supplement scientific information gathered from other research activities.

The Sanctuary Ocean Count is held concurrently on four islands (O`ahu, Kaua`i, the Big Island, and Kaho’olawe), covering 60 sites, and enlisting over 2000 volunteers. By assisting in the count, volunteers will be helping to monitor the number of humpback whales around our islands and ensure their health and safety for generations to come. The 2010 Sanctuary Ocean Count will be held on Saturday, January 30, February 27, and March 27 from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Online registration for the islands of Hawai’i and O’ahu is available at www.sanctuaryoceancount.org.
To register by phone:
O’ahu – 397-2651 ext. 253.
Kaua’i – 246-2860.
Big Island – 1-888-559-4253, ext. 253.