Program areas at Pacific Whale Foundation
Research: pwf continued its leadership in marine research, focusing on the five threats impacting cetaceans (vessel collisions, climate change, bycatch, marine pollution, and unsustainable tourism) across Hawaii, ecuador, australia, chile, and japan. Continued on schedule o.
Conservation: pwf's conservation department transformed research insights into proactive conservation measures and public advocacy, promoting tangible environmental outcomes. Continued on schedule o.
Education: pwf education programs effectively reached diverse local audiences through initiatives aimed at inspiring environmental stewardship and enhancing ocean literacy. Continued on schedule o.
Fire response and community outreach. In response to the august 2023 maui fires, pwf launched an emergency outreach initiative to address immediate and long-term environmental and community impacts, demonstrating its dedication to stewardship and recovery efforts. Key 2023 actions and accomplishments: supply distribution: established centralized supply hub in ma'alaea for community needs, distributed over 26,000 individual emergency supplies and 275 gallons of drinking water to affected residents to support relief efforts. Provided 397 staff hours delivering supplies and support for community hubs. Malama pono program: collaborated with local organizations to mobilize volunteers and contribute to community needs and ecosystem health including projects with Hawaii wildlife fund, maui humane society and maui surfrider. The resulting program, malama pono, showcases pwf's dedication to conservation and community outreach, with a commitment to integrating traditional ecological knowledge and promoting sustainable stewardship of marine and coastal environments. Community events: hosted two for da keiki events in partnership with local organizations, engaging over 600 participants to connect families with resources, local organizations, and to promote environmental stewardship. Community cruises: organized nine cruises to offer first responders and community members a supportive space for rest and rejuvenation, fostering well-being and relief during the disaster recovery period. Emergency communications: deployed and provided service for 19 donated starlinks to provide critical communications lines for lahaina community members and organizations. Post-fire ecosystem monitoring: completed 68 beach surveys near the burn area to assess fire-related debris, conducted and eight boat-based surveys off the lahaina coast-including drone flights and marine life health assessments-to evaluate potential impacts on marine life.