Paradise for Whale-Watchers

Hawaii residents gathered on the beach on Saturday to do some whale-watching and tally their sightings for the annual Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.

Two-thirds of north pacific humpback whales migrate to the sanctuary each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.

Data was collected from 56 sites throughout the state. Every 15 minutes, an average of two whales was spotted at each site, three less then last year’s tally.

The Humpback whale population in Hawaii has increased roughly seven percent each year.

“It was great to see so many new volunteers taking part in this month’s count,” said Christine Brammer, sanctuary ocean count coordinator. “Many volunteers that try out the project come back year after year. It is easy to get hooked on watching Hawaii’s humpbacks.”

--LiveScience Staff

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Credit: NOAA