For years, the news about humpbacks was positive. Rebounding from near decimation after landing on the endangered species list in 1973, more and more whales came to Maui each winter from their feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska to breed and give birth. The Northern Pacific humpbacks were “de-listed” in 2016. Ironically, that’s the year things got weird. The past few whale … [Read more...] about Where Are the Whales? Scientists Address Humpback Mystery
Humpback Whale
First humpback of the season
The first whale of the season was spotted by Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Explorer Monday morning, October 8. The humpback was seen at 8:08am, 2.4 miles north of Molokini, headed toward Ma‘alaea Harbor. The spotting was made by PWF Captain Aaron Bement. “This is why we do this,” said Bement. "You never know what you’ll see on any given day. Once day, it’s the endangered … [Read more...] about First humpback of the season
Maui Whale Festival Benefit Gala at King Kamehameha Golf Club
The 38th annual Maui Whale Festival Benefit Gala will happen at the King Kamehameha Golf Club on Saturday, Feb. 17. This year, the Pacific Whale Foundation’s benefit night will have a masquerade theme. Proceeds will benefit the Blue Whale, Maui Dolphin, False Killer Whale, Humpback Whale and Vaquita. The evening will feature presentations, sustainable seafood pupus, dinner and … [Read more...] about Maui Whale Festival Benefit Gala at King Kamehameha Golf Club
Trained responders free entangled humpback whale off Lahaina
On Christmas day, a team of trained responders that included people from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary freed an adult humpback whale off Lahaina that had become entangled in about 400 feet of heavy gauge line. Here's how Toni Parras, the NOAA Hawaii Communications Manager, … [Read more...] about Trained responders free entangled humpback whale off Lahaina
Quizunderstood: What do you know about the start of Maui’s whale season this year?
1. On Dec. 18, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that Humpback Whale Season in Hawaii has officially begun. According to the agency’s news release, about how many of the whales migrate from Alaskan to Hawaiian waters every year? A. 5,000 B. 9,000 C. 12,000 D. 17,000 E. 22,000 2. On Dec. 16, County of Maui officials announced that a “blue … [Read more...] about Quizunderstood: What do you know about the start of Maui’s whale season this year?