Research and Monitoring
The sanctuary leads and collaborates in research projects that assess the population of humpback whales in Hawai‘i and their use of sanctuary waters. Studies of humpback whales and their activities include documenting whale distribution and abundance, examining whale behavior, and monitoring potential human impacts.
Assessing Trends
The sanctuary plays a key role in assessing trends in the whale population of Hawai‘i by conducting research and coordinating communication among stakeholders.
Photo: T. Rose/NOAA, under NOAA permit #15240
Whale Behavior
Much about humpback whale behavior remains a mystery. The sanctuary uses a variety of tools to examine what whales do when they slip under the surface and out of view.
Acoustic Monitoring
Humpback whale song is the main source of underwater sound in Hawai‘i during winter. The sanctuary uses acoustic monitoring to track the occurrence and distribution of whales.
Surveys
The sanctuary conducts both shore-based and vessel-based surveys each breeding season to help measure whale abundance in the Maui region.
Other Research
The sanctuary assists and collaborates with other institutions that complement the sanctuary's research mission, and also supports the work of graduate students.