1,900 Humpback Whales Counted Hawaii

This year's count is part of a long-running citizen science initiative that began in 1996. The Sanctuary Ocean Count, organized by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and the Great Whale Count, run by the Pacific Whale Foundation, coordinate their efforts on the last Saturdays of January, February, and March. This year, 487 volunteers participated across 46 shoreline sites on several islands. The shallow, warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands are a critical breeding, calving, and nursing ground for the North Pacific humpback whale population. In fact, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was established in 1992 to protect these vital habitats. More than half of the humpback whales in the North Pacific migrate to these protected waters. The annual migration from their feeding grounds in Alaska is an arduous journey of about 3,000 miles, taking 6-8 weeks. The whales do not feed during their time in Hawaii, relying on fat reserves built up over the summer. Their primary purpose in the islands is reproduction and raising their young in a relatively safe environment with fewer predators. The data collected during the counts provides a valuable snapshot of the whale population's health and distribution. This information helps scientists understand trends in whale occurrences and behaviors over time. The information gathered is a key supplement to other research efforts aimed at the long-term conservation of these magnificent animals. While the whales are a common sight during the winter months, their time in Hawaii is temporary. The migration back to their Alaskan feeding grounds typically begins in the spring, with most whales departing by April. Mother and calf pairs are often the last to leave, as the calves need to build up enough strength for the long journey north.