#PacWhale

[writebackatya]

Hello Tumblr friends and anyone who comes across this post

So I'm sure everyone is aware of the terrible wildfires that Maui recently went through and have seen plenty of posts sharing links to different ways they can help out the people of Maui

I have a sister who lives there and thankfully was not harmed and is now doing her part to help rebuild what was destroyed. She was also kind of enough to share links that will directly help the people of Maui

I figured I could share those here:

'Aina Momona: MAUI RELIEF | ainamomona (kaainamomona.org) <- This is a Native Hawaiian organization whose purpose is achieving environmental health and sustainability in Hawaii. Currently they are taking donations to help support the people of Maui

Petition · Lahaina Town Recovery- Stop Big Business Development · Change.org <- This is a Change.org petition started by a resident of Lahaina that is trying to prevent big businesses from exploiting this tragedy and using it as an opportunity for their own and it still needs plenty of signatures. They're also asking for donations of at least $8 so if you are signing it, please donate

And something I want to add myself:

My sister works at the Pacific Whale Foundation (or PACWhale Eco Adventures) which is a non-profit organization that protects the ocean as well as marine life. They currently have their own Emergency Relief Fund as well:  Emergency Relief Fund (pacificwhale.org)

Their organization makes a lot of their money through their whale tours where most of their passengers are tourists. It's gonna be very unlikely that they'll be doing any tours any time soon so if you wish to donate to their organization here is a link for that: You Can Help | Pacific Whale Foundation

[mauitime]

Aloha Friday virtual concert series with John Cruz

Aloha Friday virtual concert series with John Cruz

On Sept. 25,Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) sets sail with Grammy award-winning musician John Cruz in partnership with sponsor PacWhale Eco-Adventures, the nonprofit’s social enterprise, for another installment of PWF’s popular Aloha Friday — the virtual concert cruise series that’s helping raise funds for the nonprofit’s vital ocean conservation work.

From 2:30 to 4pm, Cruz will delight fans…

[a-modern-snark]

Gone WhaleWatching today with the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Was not the “Snark” - was the “Ocean Spirit”.

Thank you, Ally, for the talk. Good luck for your research.

[don-lichterman]

Whale nonprofit hosts its 6th Annual World Whale Film Festival on June 8

Whale nonprofit hosts its 6th Annual World Whale Film Festival on June 8

The film Ocean Guardians will have its premiere at the 6th Annual World Whale Film Festival on Maui on June 8 The nonprofit conservation organization Pacific Whale Foundation plans to hold its 6th Annual World Whale Film Festival on World Ocean Day on June 8. The evening event will be held at Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery in Upcountry Maui. The event features dinner, drinks and a…

[puredigitalmaui]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aldo Tassara Bermeo ♈️♎️ #MyLifeBeLike (@puredigitalmedia)

#pacwhale turned around. #pau ⛈💦⛈ https://www.instagram.com/p/BoPXBZdAFwq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tufv2iqoke7p

[johnthewanderer]

Maui Whale Watching PacWhale Foundation

An experience Whale Watching with @pacificwhalefoundation #whalewatching #bestofmaui #ecoadventures #travelpono #maui

Maui Whale Watching PacWhale Foundation

This post covers a tour we went on in Maui Whale Watching PacWhale Foundation.

Background

My wife and I both have wanted to see whales for a number of years. On our previous trips we have been able to see them from a distance on the ground. On this trip, we wanted to go a step further and see them from the sea.

We booked a tour with PacWhale Foundationwhic…

[csnews]

Entangled Humpback Whale Freed of Gear Off Maui

Wendy Osher - March 7, 2019

An estimated 500 feet of heavy gauge line was removed from an entangled humpback whale off Maui.

The sub-adult animal was freed of the gear by a team of trained responders off of Mākena Beach in South Maui on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Representatives with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, and US Coast Guard say the animal was entangled in the line through its mouth that formed a bridle. 

“The team made several cuts, removing almost all the line, and greatly increased the animal’s chances of survival,” said Ed Lyman with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  “However, a small amount of gear could not be pulled from the whale’s mouth and thus remains. The recovered gear will be analyzed towards determining its possible origins and trying to reduce entanglement threat in the future.”

The report of the entanglement was made at around 9:10 a.m. by Maui Dive Shop vessel, Makakoa; and a rapid first response team was mounted by the US Coast Guard Station Maui.

The sanctuary’s response vessel, Koholā, followed with the rest of the team and gear. In the interim, a number of vessels, including the Makakoa, Redline, Maui Magic, Bluewater Rafting, fishing vessel Piper, Maui Diamond II, and PacWhale Eco Adventure vessel Ocean Explorer, assisted by monitoring the animal and relaying information while the response team was enroute.

By 10:40 a.m., the Coast Guard had arrived on scene, assessed the animal and entanglement, and deployed a working line with a tracking beacon attached. The sanctuary’s response vessel Koholā arrived soon after with the rest of the team and launched an inflatable boat.

“A team of responders in the inflatable approached the whale, grabbed the working line that had been attached, and pulled themselves up behind the animal. At this point one line of the bridle was cut and untwisted, but the line was too deeply embedded in the mouth to pull free,” said Lyman.

At 12:30 p.m., with seas building, another approach was made within feet of the whale’s tail, to cut the other side of the bridle as far forward as possible.  “The pair of cuts removed as much line as possible, along with all the trailing buoys. Only a small of amount of gear in the whale’s mouth and trailing along its sides was left providing the animal with an excellent chance of surviving,” said Lyman.

Experts say an estimated 500 feet of line and buoys were removed from the animal.  “This was a successful operation that involved the efforts of many – a team effort. Mahalo to all,” said Lyman.

In a joint statement, experts advise mariners to keep a sharp lookout for whales in distress, but advise not to approach closely or attempt to assist them. “Only trained and well-equipped responders that are authorized under NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program are permitted to assist whales and other marine mammals.”

If any marine mammal is sighted in distress, the public is asked to maintain 100 yards distance and call the NOAA 24-hour Hotline at 1-888 256-9840. If unable to call, radio the US Coast Guard on VHF CH. 16 and they will relay the report.

The public is reminded that it is illegal to approach a humpback whale closer than 100 yards by any means by sea and 1,000 feet by aircraft.

The response was coordinated by Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, working with and under the authorization of NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (permit #18786-03).  It included personnel from the sanctuary, the US Coast Guard Station Maui, NOAA Corps, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, Oceanwide Science Institute, University of Hawaiʻi – Hilo, Cardinal Point Captains and others.

[whalelifeus-blog]

Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 to protect our oceans through science and advocacy. They offer educational whale watching and other ocean ecotours through PacWhale Eco-Adventures. All profits from their cruises and Ocean Store retail operations, support Pacific Whale Foundation’s research, education and conservation programs. Show the project some love by checking out their account 💙 Additionally, if you know of any other conservation projects, please comment below or send me a DM @earth.offline - I’d love to hear from you! ✌🏽 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 WHALE Facts: Like all mammals, whales breathe air into lungs, are warm-blooded, feed their young milk and have some (although very little) hair. Their bodies resemble the streamlined form of a fish, while the forelimbs or flippers are paddle-shaped. The tail fins, or flukes, enable whales to propel themselves through the water. Most species of whale have a fin on their backs known as a dorsal fin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🎥 Video by @beaupilgrim 🌏 Project by @earth.offline 👉🏽 #earthoffline to share your videos ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #whale #whales #whalewatching #oceanconservation #marinebiology #marineconservation #natgeowild#environmentalism #extinctionisforever #savingspecies #zoology https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp6uR1GlR1-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=l2motbvmn2zk

[pastorjamie25]

We went ... 🎼on a 3 hour tour🎼... (older folks will get it👍🏽) ... to do some Whale🐋Watching... the food was Fabulous, the scenery was Spectacular and my company was Exquisite (at Slip 4 - Pacwhale Eco Adventures) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLMxTKCh0sh/?igshid=pkwh7l2vxapx

[placentamom]

"PacWhale's vessel Ocean Journey, on its first whalewatch of the day on Saturday, came across the rarest of finds -- placenta in the water, presumed to be from a humpback whale." http://bit.ly/2Fb9l26 📷: @pacificwhalefoundation #pacificwhalefoundation #humpbackwhale #whaleplacenta #placenta #oceanfinds #placentamom #sacramento #placentaencapsulation #placentalove (at Davis, California)

[mauitime]

Humpback Whale Live Birth and Probable Whale Placenta Captured

Humpback Whale Live Birth and Probable Whale Placenta Captured

[Editor’s note: Images of the placenta below. You have been warned. All photos courtesy Pacific Whale Foundation.]

For the first time in history, whale researchers captured video footage of a humpback whale giving birth earlier this month. On that historic day, PacWhale Eco-Adventures staff also spotted a floating placenta from a different birth in the same waters.

It’s an odd treasure, to…

[a-modern-snark]

Only one question: What if the whales don’t stay back 100yards from my boat? ;-)

Wow - saw lots of whales today. Of course took pictures - of course not with the smartphone ;-)

[tglifestyle]

Tuesday

Two weeks before arriving in Maui, I pre-booked several activities, including a snorkeling trip with the Pacific Whale Foundation.  I spent hours on the internet, reading reviews and looking for deals in order to find the perfect excursion.  There are many to choose from, but I landed on PacWhale Eco-Adventurefor a few reasons, most importantly because they are a non-profit organization, and all proceeds support research, education, and conservation efforts.  I felt that this was important, because it meant that the crew was more purpose-driven than money-driven.

The boat departs early in the morning from the marina on Front Street, as do several other tours, so make sure you’re at the correct spot.  You are supposed to check in at the PWF store on Front Street, but I didn’t follow directions and went straight to the marina.  The guy at the boat was kind enough to check us in without making us walk back to the store.  Before boarding, they snap a picture of your group which you can purchase upon return if you wish. Once on board, the crew serves a light breakfast of fruit and banana bread, as well as coffee.  They offer different snorkeling destinations; for ours I chose the trip to Lana’i.  It’s a long boat ride out – I think maybe an hour and a half.

Heading out!

During the entire cruise, various crew members educated us on everything from marine life to how to put on your snorkel gear and enter the water.  It was both interesting and fun.  Along the way we saw lots of dolphins, so the boat slowed and we had ample opportunities to observe them swimming and snap some photos.

When we got to Lana’i we could snorkel on our own, or follow along with one of the crew members on a “reef tour.”  He was super enthusiastic and pointed out lots of different fish and other marine life.  I was impressed with how knowledgeable everyone was and how nicethey were.  They also had crew members positioned both in the water and on the boat, acting as life guards and assuring that everyone was safe and having a good time.  They do offer wet suit jackets for rent for only $10, and I highly recommend this as it keeps your torso warm as well as provides some buoyancy.  They also provide flotation belts and noodles.

Our snorkeling spot – Lanai Island

After snorkeling, they served lunch which consisted of grilled chicken, veggie burgers, or hotdogs (grilled fresh on the boat), and some salads. It’s a very well-run operation and the crew was both informative and a lot of fun.  We saw some truly beautiful sights and were back at the marina around 2:00.

Here’s the downside: motion sickness.  I think about 15-20% of the folks on board (including me and my family) felt the effects of the ocean.  One of my daughters was miserable all the way out, and I was pretty queasy myself, but once we got in the water, we were fine and had a great time. Back on the boat, however, I just couldn’t bring myself to eat any of the nice lunch they prepared as I immediately started feeling the rocking of the boat.  They did provide little buckets for anyone who was sick, and ginger ale to all who suffered, but I HIGHLY suggest that you bring along some non-drowsy Dramamine, or get the prescription anti-nausea patches because it’s a huge bummer to feel so sick out on the water for so many hours.  Also, be careful to not swallow any sea water.  My other daughter accidentally swallowed a bunch while snorkeling and ended up very sick all the way back (she was one of the unlucky who needed a bucket!).  The other thing to note is this is a large group – I’m guessing 100 people.  If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, this isn’t the one for you.  It’s great for kids and beginners as well as adults and experienced folks and anyone who is passionate about the environment and conservation.

*Tip:  bring reef-safe sunscreen.  They provide some for you to use when you arrive but we brought our own. There are bad chemicals in “traditional” sunscreen that kill the coral reefs, so do your homework before heading out.

Chicken and Waffles at Down the Hatch were AMAZING

Chicken and Waffles were AMAZING

Ahi tacos – so good

We spent the rest of the afternoon napping at the townhouse before heading out to dinner.  Hours of snorkeling and motion sickness will wear you out!  We decided we wanted to go casual, after our exhausting morning and ended up at Down The Hatch.  I found this on a “Top 100” list for Maui restaurants and was intrigued with some of the items on the menu, like lobster & crab grilled cheese, mermaid fries, and lava lava shrimp.  It turns out the owners are from Atlanta!  And, Guy Fieri featured this place on Diners Drive-ins and Dives in 2017 –   It’s tucked away in the lower level courtyard of a strip on Front Street.  Counter service, so grab a menu and get in line (or pull it up on your phone), order at the counter, and a server will bring it to you when it’s ready.  The employees are all super friendly and happy to answer any questions.

The crab and lobster stuffed grilled cheese as featured on DDD!

We tried the previously mentioned lobster & crab grilled cheese, their chicken sandwich, seared Ahi tacos, and the chicken and waffles.  OMG.  I don’t know if this tasted so good because we were hungry after our snorkeling day or if the food was really that good. My husband declared the chicken and waffles the best he’s ever had, and one of the top 10 meals he’s ever had (bold statement).  My tacos were perfect and the pickled red onions with wasabi aioli was just the right touch.  My oldest daughter got the grilled cheese and she said it was delicious.  My younger daughter ordered the lava lava spicy chicken sandwich and absolutely loved it.  Both sandwiches are HUGE and the lava lava sauce on the sandwich (as well as some other menu items) is a combination of spicy chili sauce and mayo.  Excellent cocktails and good music.  I was singing hits from the 80’s the entire meal.  My husband grabbed a boozy shave ice next door at Breakwall Shave Ice Co.  It was HUGE and tasty (and very boozy!)

Adult shave ice from Breakwell’s

Afterwards, we did a little shopping on Front Street, and stopped in at Hawaii Gelato for dessert.  The gelato is delicious, and they have several non-dairy options. They also serve espresso and coffee drinks.  And, the highlight of the evening was watching the sun set over the ocean.  We had a nice view of it from the sidewalk while we were out shopping, and took several minutes to just stand there and watch it in all its beauty.

Continue to Day 3

Travel Diaries: Maui Day 2 Tuesday Two weeks before arriving in Maui, I pre-booked several activities, including a snorkeling trip with the…

[mauitime]

First humpback of the season

First humpback of the season

The first whale of the season was spotted by Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Explorer Monday morning, October 8. The humpback was seen at 8:08am, 2.4 miles north of Molokini, headed toward Ma‘alaea Harbor.

The spotting was made by PWF Captain Aaron Bement. “This is why we do this,” said Bement. “You never know what you’ll see on any given day. Once day, it’s the endangered false killer whales…