Whale Sanctuary Seeking Ocean Count Volunteers

Courtesy HIHWNMS/ NOAA Permit # 774-1714

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has announced it is looking for volunteers for the 2018 Sanctuary Ocean Count. Now in its 23^rd year, volunteers count whales and record their behaviors from more than 60 shore sites on the islands of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island.

Through Ocean Count, the public can learn about humpback whale population, distribution, and behavioral trends while being involved in a volunteer monitoring effort. The Sanctuary Ocean Count will be held Jan. 27, Feb. 24 and March 31 at selected sites from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Interested volunteers may register at http://sanctuaryoceancount.org/register. Additional information is available at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov or volunteers may call 808-725-5923 (O‘ahu, and Hawai‘i) and 808-246-2860 for Kaua‘i.

Volunteers are required to register prior to participating. Registration will close one week prior to the event date.