Updated at 6:31 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2007
600 volunteers turn out for humpback whale count
Advertiser Staff
More than 600 volunteers came out today for an annual humpback whale count, positioning themselves at 59 sites around the Islands.On average, volunteers on O'ahu saw three whales every 15 minutes, while Kaua'i and Big Island volunteers saw four over the same period. The highest average in 15 minutes was for volunteers on Kaho'olawe, who counted nine whales every 15 minutes.
The data will be used to determine Hawai'i's whale population, and whether it's growing. Hawaiian waters provide a critical breeding habitat for two-thirds of all North Pacific humpback whales.
Recent studies have shown the humpback whale population in the Islands is increasing at a rate of 7 percent.
"February is the peak of whale season in the Hawaiian Islands, and this season has proved to be a busy one for the sanctuary," said Christine Brammer, coordinator of the whale count.
One more count in the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is set for March 31. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration oversees the count and collects the data.
Figures from previous counts are available at www.hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
