The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary will be conducting whale counts for 2022. The Ocean Count program takes place on the last Saturday of January, February and March.
Counting the number of humpbacks and other marine mammals (e.g. dolphins, monk seals) and turtles during peak whale season helps to understand population trends and behavior.
Staff will be conducting a tally across the shorelines on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Maui will also be conducting whale counts on the same days with the Pacific Whale Foundation.
The first count of the year takes place on Jan. 29. Ocean Count will continue on Feb. 26 and March 26.
