Volunteers count whales for sanctuary

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AHUKINI — Angela Tillson and her group of ocean counters were joined by a biology class from the Kaua‘i Community College, Saturday.

Nancy Bushnell headed up the group of 12 students from the Biology 123, Hawaiian Environment, class that conducted its own Ocean Count, coinciding with the annual count being conducted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

“We didn’t have to do training,” said Bronzen Winters, one of the biology students who was enjoying his first count. “The lady came to class and explained how to record, measure and collect the data.”

Bushnell said this is the 10th time for her classes to be involved with the sanctuary’s Ocean Count.

“This is a good way for students to get involved in science,” she said. “It shows them how they can be involved in the environment. They’ll take the data back to the class where it will be recorded and forwarded on to the count office.”

More than 650 volunteers collect data from the shores of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, the Big Island and Kaho‘olawe for the annual Ocean Count, states a release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Volunteers tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey. Data is collected from 56 sites.

A couple waiting to catch a flight out of Lihu‘e Airport was cued when Angela Tillson, site leader for the Ahukini site, let out a whoop when she witnessed a full breach. The visiting couple could not resist taking out their camera for a final photograph before heading to the airport.

Every 15 minutes, an average of eight whales were counted per site statewide, the release states. Kaho‘olawe had the largest number of sightings at 14 while O‘ahu had the least number at four. Kaua‘i sites averaged eight whales per 15-minute interval.

At Ahukini where Tillson’s crew and the biology class were stationed, the greatest number of sightings took place from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. There were nine sightings, including two calves, recorded from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m.; increasing to 10 sightings, including two calves, from 11 to 11:15 a.m.; before dropping to seven sightings from 11:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Makahuena Point led Kaua‘i with the highest number of sightings at 16, including four calves, from 11 to 11:15 a.m. The smallest number of sightings was 10.

“It was great to see so many new volunteers taking part in this month’s count,” said Christine Brammer, sanctuary ocean count coordinator. “The Ocean Count project provides a unique opportunity for the public to learn about Hawai‘i’s humpbacks while participating in a monitoring effort. Many volunteers that try out the project come back year after year. It is easy to get hooked on watching Hawai‘i’s humpbacks.”

Winters, a KCC student, said although this was his first count, he has seen whales plenty while surfing.

Corinne Daly, another KCC student, said she took part in the count last year through her zoology class.

Another KCC student, Stephanie Perius, was enjoying her first count Saturday.

“Humpback whales represent the diversity of ocean life that surrounds the Hawaiian Islands,” said Gov. Linda Lingle in a proclamation declaring February as Humpback Whale Awareness Month. “These majestic animals, known for their haunting songs, reflect the deep connection the people of Hawai‘i share with the sea.”

The humpback whale is Hawai‘i’s official state marine mammal.

Scientific studies have shown that Hawai‘i’s humpback whale population has been increasing at an annual rate of some seven percent and, over time, data from the sanctuary’s Ocean Count can be used to corroborate these findings.

Weather conditions were excellent for viewing humpback whales around the state, compared with other years when counts were being conducted through poor visibility, driving rain and biting wind.

“Hunted to the brink of extinction by whalers of the past, today humpback whales are a federally protected species,” Lingle said in a recent proclamation. “Whale-hunting has largely been replaced by whale-watching, and eager thrill-seekers shoot these enormous mammals with cameras, rather than with harpoons.”

Other marine wildlife observed during Saturday’s count included Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and a variety of sea birds.

Two more sanctuary Ocean Counts are scheduled Feb. 28 and Mar. 28. A whale count on Maui is conducted independently by the Pacific Whale Foundation.

For more information on becoming a sanctuary Ocean Count volunteer, call 246-2860.