World Whale Day Celebrates Humpbacks and Raises Awareness of Threats

In 1980, Greg Kauffman — founder of nonprofit Maui Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) — started World Whale Day. A celebration of the humpback whales who grace Maui’s waters each winter, the holiday is observed on the third Sunday of February and is an opportunity to raise awareness about threats to the species. This year, World Whale Day falls on February 18.

When Kauffman started World Whale Day back in 1980, the North Pacific population of humpback whales consisted of only about 1,000 members and was at risk of extinction. Humpbacks were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1973.

Today, the waters around Maui are visited by more than 21,000 humpback whales, partially due to the efforts of PWF to protect them through its conservation, education and research programs.

Many whale species have made remarkable recoveries, but many others remain vulnerable.

“The whales listed under the Endangered Species Act, such as the North Atlantic Right whales, are among the most threatened species in the world. These populations face many significant challenges to their survival,” Jens Currie, chief scientist at PWF, told EcoWatch. “Conversely, some whale populations are faring relatively better in terms of population numbers and sustainability. For example, certain populations of humpback whales, such as those in the North Pacific, have shown signs of recovery due to conservation efforts, including the implementation of protective measures and bans on commercial whaling. Although they still face various threats that could impact their long-term recovery. Overall, the status of whale populations varies depending on factors such as species, geographic location, and conservation efforts in place.”

On February 22, PWF’s annual Maui Whale Festival — which offers virtual and in-person activities honoring Maui’s whale population — will be celebrating the height of its whale season at OCEAN Organic Farm & Distillery. Those who present their digital or physical flier at Farm Café, Bar and Store between 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. will generate a 10 percent donation from OCEAN for PWF’s education, conservation, research and outreach programs that work to protect marine life both locally and around the world.

Additionally, a virtual fundraiser — Race for Whales 2024 — is open to anyone in the United States. The event — during which participants are challenged to walk, run, paddle or swim 30 miles in 29 days — began on February 1 and runs through February 29. All those who complete the full 30 miles will be given a medal. A yearlong PWF Guide Membership, a 2024 Race for Whales T-shirt and tickets to June’s online film festival will be given to the top three fundraisers.

Today, whales all over the globe are faced with compounding threats, Currie said.

“The biggest threats to whales worldwide are ocean pollution, tourism pressure, fisheries interactions, climate change, and vessel traffic. It’s important to note that there is not one single greatest threat, as these factors act cumulatively, impacting the health of whale populations. At Pacific Whale Foundation, we prioritize mitigating these threats through targeted research and resulting conservation strategies,” Currie told EcoWatch.

PWF studies both humpback and blue whales with a mission to use advocacy and science to protect the ocean, inspire environmental stewardship and save whales from extinction. 

Research by PWF has found that rising ocean temperatures due to climate change have increased acidification that may alter the availability and distribution of prey species, having a negative effect on the health of cetaceans. It also found that whales and other large mammals will likely shift habitat ranges in response to climate change, and that these shifts could have adverse impacts on breeding and feeding grounds, as well as migration routes.

PWF programs work for the protection of whales and other marine animals. They use long-term research data to evaluate the health, habitat use and size of marine creatures. They also employ photo identification, tissue samples and visual data collection methods such as Unoccupied Aerial Systems in evaluating the health of populations and individuals.

PWF’s humpback whale research was instrumental in the development of whale watching best vessel practices in the Main Hawaiian Islands, endorsed by the office of the governor.

Humpback whale catalogs are maintained by PWF in three regions, representing the organization’s most comprehensive dataset. The catalogs date back to 1984 in East Australia, 1981 in Hawai’i and 2001 in Ecuador.

“As a society and as individuals, we can help whales by reducing ocean pollution, supporting sustainable tourism practices, advocating for responsible fishing methods, mitigating climate change, and promoting awareness and education about whale conservation as well as supporting ongoing research efforts. These actions are crucial for safeguarding the well-being of whale populations worldwide,” Currie told EcoWatch.

Currie pointed out that the prognosis for whales and their habitats in the future “depends largely on our collective actions.”

“While challenges such as ocean pollution, climate change, and human activities pose significant threats, there is hope through conservation efforts and increasing awareness. By implementing effective conservation measures, enforcing regulations, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering international collaboration, we can improve the outlook for whale species and their habitats. However, continued dedication and proactive measures are essential to ensure the long-term health and survival of whales and their ecosystems,” Currie said.