Program areas at Pacific Whale Foundation
Pacific Whale Foundation researchers work on applied research projects throughout the Pacific ocean which support Whale and dolphin conservation and management outcomes. Our research efforts and funded projects are focused in Hawaii, australia, ecuador and chile, and we also collaborate with researchers all over the globe. Our long-term goal is to identify and assess major threats to cetaceans and develop science-based solutions to mitigate these threats. We have identified the 5 major threats to be unsustainable tourism, bycatch, marine plastic pollution, vessel collisions with marine animals and climate change.
Pacific Whale Foundation's conservation program develops and advocates for science-based solutions to major stressors on whales and dolphins that align environmental, economic and community values. Using cutting edge data from our research program, our team creates public policy agendas and mobilizes community members to support ocean protection efforts. Our priority issues include addressing the challenge of single-use plastic pollution, promoting best practices for Whale watching tourism, raising awareness about rising ocean temperatures due to climate change and reducing the accidental bycatch of whales and dolphins by commercial fishing operations.
Educating the public, from a scientific perspective, about marine wildlife and their ocean habitat is at the heart of everything we do at Pacific Whale Foundation. Early on, we recognized that public awareness and concern for the welfare of whales and dolphins would play a vital role in helping to protect them. Since 1980, we have presented free talks, community events, and developed resource materials based on our research findings and advocacy efforts, a practice that continues to this day.