An Unprecedented Year for Humpback Research in Hawai’i The 2016 season in Hawai’i and breeding grounds across the North Pacific was the most WHALE TALES HAS RAISED unusual on record in terms of behavior and, potentially, reproduction. Ironically, humpbacks OVER $500,000 DOLLARS were removed from the Endangered Species List in the same year. This means that for the FOR WHALE RESEARCH! first time since 1966—when whaling was declared illegal in the North Pacific—humpback whales are no longer at risk of extinction. While we celebrate the recovery that this change represents, the winter of 2016 reminds us that we have a lot to learn about whale behavior. MAHALO to everyone who participated in Whale Tales 2016 to make it a huge no longer endangered? grounds? If so, how could this affect success! The 2016 event raised over Humpback whales officially have met reproduction going forward? $70,000. In just 10 years, Whale Tales the legal definition of recovery in the this season (winter 2017) has raised over a half million dollars Endangered Species Act. Their new status As always, we find ourselves eagerly has left many researchers with mixed for whale research in Hawai’i! From the awaiting the arrival of humpbacks in presentations and whale watches, to the feelings. On the one hand, there is no Hawai’i. This year (2017), we wait with even art and education expo and memorable question that the number of humpbacks greater anticipation. Will the season be has increased substantially in most areas similar to 2016, raising critical questions children’s event, the 2016 program was of the world since whaling stopped—and about the health of the population; or will unmatched in bringing a fun, educational that’s a good thing. Humpbacks will still we be back to “normal?” Either way, we and collaborative event to Maui – all be protected under the Marine Mammal need to know what is happening. Was El in support of marine research and Protection Act Nino the culprit? How awareness. We are looking forward to an in United States sensitive are whales even better Whale Tales 2017! waters. However, to minor changes in going forward, water temperature? we don’t know What does this mean how the changing in the context of global ocean environment warming? One peculiar will impact these season is a blip, not a populations crisis. But it might mark and many basic the beginning of a questions remain critical change in North unanswered. Pacific humpback whale where were photo by flip nicklin/minden pictures. nmfs permit #13846 behavior. the whales? we will be out there! WHALE TALES 2017 The Ritz Carlton Kapalua • February 24–27, 2017 Across the North Pacific, the winter of 2016 Beginning this season, we are expanding was one of the strangest on record for EXPERT PRESENTATIONS Ÿ ART AND EDUCATION EXPO our core research program to include a HANDS-ON LEARNING Ÿ BENEFIT WHALE WATCHES humpback whales. On breeding grounds systematic monitoring component that will in Hawai’i, Mexico, Philippines and Japan, contribute to validating and investigating researchers noted large-scale changes in abundance and • dramatically lower numbers, behavior. Our commitment to research SPONSORED BY: • a shorter season, on social organization, behavior and • different social behavior patterns and communication has not changed but—if • fewer mothers and calves. nothing else—2016 told us we need to do more. The change in endangered species Where were the whales? Did they not designation makes this responsibility even migrate as far south as usual? Did they more compelling. stay on or around their summer feeding WHAT’S INSIDE

AT A WHALE’S PACE SNEAK PEEK BY THE NUMBERS Using drones and underwater Exploring the social lives and More than 500 students camera jibs for whale research. culture of whales and dolphins participated in the 2016 Whale >>>page 2 at Whale Tales 2017. Tales education program. >>>page 3 >>>page 4 What’s New AT A WHALE’S PACE With whales spending 90% of their time underwater, one of the biggest challenges for a whale PARTNERSHIP behaviorist is to actually see them! Thanks to your generous support, we are now on the cusp of new discoveries into the underwater social lives of whales on the breeding grounds. Whale Trust Maui is excited to be expanding The warm, clear waters of Hawai’i make this one of the best our partnership with Trilogy Excursions in places in the world to study whale behavior. It is one of the few 2017! Whale Trust Maui places we can actually observe whales underwater, on the researchers will lead surface and from the air. Many research breakthroughs have educational opportunities for crew come from of this unique natural observatory. However, since members and volunteer naturalists whales move faster than a person can swim, our understanding will participate in weekly whale watch cruises. We are exploring additional of their behavior is often based on pieced together, fleeting opportunities that will utilize Trilogy’s glimpses. Key questions remain – some as fundamental as when sailing schedule for research efforts and where mating occurs. this winter. Whale Trust Maui will also be the host organization and recipient To help answer these questions, this winter we will embark on of the February Blue`Aina with Trilogy a new project designed to bring together traditional research Excursions. The four-hour whale techniques (individual identification, sound recording and biopsy watch will feature citizen scientist opportunities and experiences for sampling) with new technologies (unmanned aerial vehicles and participants, led by Whale Trust Maui a mounted camera jib). research team members. Space is limited to 50 participants and cost is new technology ushers in a new era of whale research $30 per person. Trilogy is the oldest family-owned and operated Maui With the new accessibility of drones, unprecedented activity and sailing business. and high-quality aerial views of whale behaviors and interactions are now cost-effective and possible. Our new learn more at sailtrilogy.com underwater camera jib, mounted under the boat, allows us to film whales moving at their natural speed. Together, these new tools promise to give us a new window into STAFF MEMBERS fast-moving social groups. DAYNA GARLAND Instead of seeing whale behavior in brief moments, we joined our team in July can now capture longer sequences of whale behavior as the Director of Events as well as interactions between individual whales. and Communications. This is a tremendous leap forward—much like the first With 20 years of experience in event underwater photographs of whales in the 1970s and 80s, management, nonprofit marketing which significantly altered the world’s perception of these and communications, Dayna is a great animals. addition to our team and will be a strong leader for Whale Tales 2017! Our challenge is to compile as complete a picture as possible of the behavior patterns occurring in social KATI SHEA joins Whale groups on the breeding grounds. Capturing this in Trust Maui as our real time will provide a new key to understanding the new Office Manager, nature of whales. It also will help set a new foundation bringing many years of Whale Trust maui’s new underwater organizational experience of knowledge into humpback behavior for future camera jib attached to the to the job. Spending most management and conservation programs. research boat will film whales at of her career in the home care industry, their speed from under the boat. Kati is thrilled to be working for an organization that focuses on one of her own passions, humpback whales. As a new Maui resident, she is ready to dive in.

RESEARCH TEAM RALPH PACE joined our Whale Trust Maui research team for two weeks during the 2016 whale season. He is a freelance natural history and conservation photographer living in San Diego. Look for Ralph next year both as a presenter at Whale Tales 2017 and out on the water with us. photo (above) by flip nicklin/minden pictures. photos (above) by ralph pace. nmfs permit #13846 WHALE TALES 2017 is just around the corner The 11th Annual Whale Tales will be held February 24th-27th at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, featuring a remarkable line-up of presenters and benefit whale watches.

PARTNER WITH WHALE TRUST MAUI AS A SHOWCASE YOUR WHALE TALES 2017 SPONSOR ORGANIZATION, ART AND PRODUCTS Sponsorship benefits include access to VIP receptions, Join an incredible community of local artists, nonprofit exclusive whale watches, premium seating and more. organizations and merchandisers at the Whale Tales Art and Education Expo.

PRESENTERS SNEAK PEEK DENISE HERZING research director of the wild dolphin project Denise has studied the natural behavior, social structure and communication of Atlantic spotted dolphins for more than 35 years. She presented her research on interspecies communication (between humans and dolphins) using a keyboard interface at a 2013 TED talk. Her 2011 book Dolphin Diaries tells the incredible story of her research.

ROBERT (BOB) PITMAN marine ecologist in the marine mammal and turtle division at noaa Bob investigates the ecology and evolutionary biology of cetaceans and other marine species around the world. Bob’s work and recent publication exploring why humpback whales protect other species recently received widespread media coverage. He shares that animals tend to do what is in their best interest but interspecies empathy cannot be ruled out.

HAL WHITEHEAD professor at dalhousie university Hal is a true pioneer and one of the foremost gurus in the study of culture and social structure of whales and dolphins. Hal’s book The Cultural Lives of Whales and Dolphins (2015) explores how information is transmitted in whales and dolphins - just as humans pass along knowledge between generations.

GREG MACGILLIVRAY chairman and film director of macgillivray freeman films Greg started making films at the age of 13 and has directed and produced over 50 films. A major contributor to the world of science education and a passionate ocean conservationist, Greg and his wife Barbara are the founders of One World One Ocean, a public charity designed to create inspiring giant-screen films coupled with much-needed calls to action.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER ONLINE www.whaletrust.org

whale photo (above) by flip nicklin/minden pictures. nmfs permit #13846 SUPPORTING RESEARCH IN HAWAI’I Each year, Whale Trust Maui raises funds on behalf of a handful of carefully selected beneficiaries through our annual educational event, Whale Tales. Last year (2016), with your help, we distributed over $70,000 to six beneficiaries, including two graduate students and three other non-profit organizations conducting crucial studies and research on whales in Hawai’i.

• HAWAI’I WHALE RESEARCH FOUNDATION studies the social structure of humpback whales off the coast of Maui. • The LARGE WHALE DISENTANGLEMENT PROGRAM of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation uses telemetry and drones to re-locate, track and assess large whales entangled in fishing gear. • KEIKI KOHOLA PROJECT works to ensure that humpback whale mother and calf pairs are fully protected during their time in Hawai’i. • Graduate student, ANKE KUEGLER works with the Oceanwide Science Institute to research how humpback whales utilize the waters off Maui to identify potential areas of critical habitat. • YAIYR ASTUDILLO-SCALIA, a graduate student at Arizona State University, researches how hormone levels may affect behavior patterns on the breeding grounds. WHALE TALES EDUCATION OUTREACH Nearly 500 Elementary school and Jr. Humpbacks 3D, to bubble net feeding High school students participated in our stations led by Dr. Fred Sharpe, a Whale Tales 2016 outreach program. presentation from noted author Susan Karen Grosskreutz helped Whale Trust Casey, and the NOAA whale rescue Maui deliver one of our best programs team teaching some of the tools and to date. As with all Whale Trust Maui tricks of disentangling whales, the school outreach programs, students students were treated to four hours of initially learned some of the basics non-stop fun and learning. about whales through interactive classroom presentations, followed by a We would like to extend a huge mahalo field trip. to our event partners the Regal Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center, MacGillivray The opening morning of Whale Tales Freeman Films, the Ritz-Carlton, was dedicated to the education Kapalua, Alaska Whale Foundation, outreach program, where students the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale gathered to experience a variety of National Marine Sanctuary and all of multimedia and hands-on learning our wonderful volunteers and presenters stations. From the IMAX movie, who made this event possible! event photos by bryan berkowitz

EDUCATION OUTREACH STUDENT PROFILE: HALEY ROBB MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE STUDENT AT A TIME BY HALEY ROBB For as long as I can remember I have been senior year I took over the whale hormone project, where I got fascinated with marine life. As a middle the opportunity to get to know Dr. Jones a bit better as well as be school student, I was able to attend Whale introduced to other members in the field. I even had the opportuni- Quest Kapalua (in 2008), a wonderful event ty to go out on the research boat! This was an incredibly important hosted by Whale Trust Maui serving to bridge experience for me as it solidified my decision to pursue a career the gap between research and local com- in marine biology. I have since had the pleasure of working under munities. Since then, I have been regularly Dr. Jones and completed my first internship with her this summer. attending the Whale Tales sessions held every Whale Trust Maui has been an extremely influential part of my year. I remember my freshman year of high decision to become a marine biologist, from elementary school school I heard Dr. Meagan Jones’ talk, during which she men- to the present. I am so grateful for Whale Trust Maui’s educational tioned her collaboration with Lahainaluna students to analyze programs that opened incredible opportunities for me. I am now blubber samples collected from whales off Maui to see if they studying marine biology with a minor in statistics at University of could detect hormones related to reproduction. I was introduced Victoria and planning for future internships with Whale Trust Maui. to her after and expressed my interest in marine biology. My GET INVOLVED THIS WINTER Big Mahalo It’s no secret that winter on Maui is our favorite time of year, and for so many reasons! WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE The whales return to Hawai’i and we get to meet and reconnect with our incredible APPRECIATION TO EACH OF OUR WHALE community. To register or for more information on these and other Whale Trust Maui WATCHING PARTNERS DURING events (including sponsorship opportunities) please contact Dayna Garland at WHALE TALES 2016 [email protected] or (808) 572-5700. Captain Steve’s Rafting Adventures, Gemini Sailing Charters, Hawai’i Ocean Rafting, Lahaina Cruises, Maui Adventure Cruises, The Jayhawk-Powered by Adventure Quinn, Trilogy Excursions and Ultimate Whale Watch. The TEEING OFF sold-out whale watches raised over $22,000 and helped make Whale Tales 2016 one of our FOR most successful events ever. Thank you for WHALE RESEARCH your ongoing support! SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017 MAHALO TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS King Kamehameha Golf Club Alan Battersby for donating multiple stays at The Hotel Eastlund in Portland for our golf Start polishing your game and get ready for Whale Trust Maui’s annual golf tournament and at Whale Tales! tournament! Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Maui and hosted by King Bev Gannon of Celebrations Catering for donating a private lunch for 12 guests at her Kamehameha Golf Club, our upcoming tournament will feature a scramble home! competition format with men’s and women’s teams. A Mercedes will be on Kai Kanani for donating a cruise. display for a lucky competitor who sinks a hole-in-one! Last year’s tournament Mark and Judy Ellman of Mala Ocean Tavern, raised over $15,000. Join us to make 2017 even better! Honu and Frida’s Beach House, who donated generous gift certificates for our silent auction. Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic for donating a trip for two to the Galapagos! Maui Ocean Center & Outlets of Maui for “Photography invites you into a world of wonder and anticipation, where it’s no longer sponsoring Whale Tales 2016. about the camera but about being in the moment. And living in the moment is what life is about. Live one day at a time, and make it a masterpiece.” Mercedes-Benz of Maui for their continued -Ralph Lee Hopkins support in our annual golf tournament. Nick Bennett of Maui Outboards for helping us keep our boats running! Lee James and Ultimate Whale Watch for partnering with us on our first Whale Tales Photo Expedition! Sherri Reeve Designs for designing the best ever Whale Tales t-shirt and help with our merchandise! Susan Casey for being a special guest in our education programs, donating proceeds of her book, Voices in the Ocean, and for being the special guest at the silent auction luncheon WHALE TALES PHOTO EXPEDITION with Bev Gannon. FEBRUARY 21 - 24, 2017 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Join Lindblad Expeditions Director of Photography, Ralph Lee Hopkins, for Thank you to the SAS Women: Sandi Stoner, Ann Jones & Sandra Florence, for their the 2nd annual Whale Tales Photo Expedition! This four-day workshop will support, enthusiasm and hard work on all provide you with a unique and in-depth experience to learn and explore of our events. You women are a true force of some of the key elements of nature photography with whales as your muse. nature! All profits support the research and education programs of Whale Trust. Deborah Rybak, thank you for being a true part of our family. We are always able to SPACE LIMITED TO 10 GUESTS | $3500 MINIMUM DONATION PER PERSON count on you and your contribution to our organization is so appreciated.

WWW.WHALETRUST.ORG • PO BOX 243 • MAKAWAO, HI 96768 • 808-572-5700 SEPTEMBER2016 SEPTEMBER 2015- organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. atwww.whaletrust.org/donate online by allowable Donate are extent deductibleorganization. All tax the Box 243 Makawao, donations to Hawai’i PO mail to or by 96768. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this list. If you notice an error, an ensureyou notice list. accuracy If to this made of been has please effort [email protected]. contact Every Kati at Whale is a501(c)(3) Maui Trust nonprofit WHALE TRUST MAUI DONORS Kent Po and Drs. Deborah Dorsey and Terry and Drs. Dorsey Deborah Smith Community FoundationCommunity ofLouisville Allen N.Allen an Jack Gray Gray Schaefer Carolyn and Erdman F Dr. Gerrianne Sakamoto and Clyde Chris Moore Rodgers Charlee and Helen Jean Dr. Mrs. and Clinton W. Kelly, III Hawai’i Foundation Community The Makana Aloha The Makana Foundation The John Lazarich The Foundation Lazarich John Area Community FoundationArea Community Hook Family Fund Charitable Charles and Nancy and ShoemateCharles Dr. Jeffreyand Marge Herbst Deborah and Michael Rybak and Deborah Bendon Family Fou MacGillivray FreemanMacGillivray Films Nancy Hamilton and Harris David Co Jason Stephanie and Sturgis David and David and Thomas and Thomas Savidge Janice Edward S. Lichte Gunars JoRene and Valkirs Dr. Jim Susan Bendon and Debbie Tom and Woehler Kenneth Clark Laurie and Ildefonso Salido Pilar and Bradley and Jann and Bradley Paulson Irene and Barry McPheeIrene Barry and George Marie Weis and Pacifi F Henry Colleen O’SheaColleen Brady $25,000 -$49,999 Brian and Leslie Davis Leslie and Brian $10,000 -$24,999 Greg Terry and Cook Earl and Sandi Stoner Sandi and Earl mmunity Foundationmmunity of Allen and Ann Jones and Allen red and Bill and Linda Klipp Linda and Bill Northern Colorado Kimberley H. GrayKimberley $5,000 -$9,999 Bud Trina and Pate $1,000 -$4,999 Bill and Jody Reed and Bill amily Fund/C. Pardeeamily and Joan Greenfield and Ar and lli Smith Family Fundlli ofthe Alan BattersbyAlan Keith Hensley d Betsy Erdman Betsy Linda WilsonLinda Betsy AubreyBetsy Garry WeberGarry Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous c Life c Life Ann and David Hamerand Kent and Sandy Rice Sandy and Sandra FlorenceSandra Jan Tom leen McGlade L. Jones/P Foundation Le vy nb ndation/ p erg kins and and ri n nick nick ceton ceton

Scott MethvinScott O’Haren Michelle and Th Mike Clair and Audrey and Clair Mike MacLean Beverly and Lawrence and Herrlinger Beverly Dr. Patrick Patricia and Muffler Richard and Brenda and Livingston Richard Ken Atkins Sexton Cindy and Marlin Creative, Marty Wolfe Creative,Marlin Marty Tamara Chotzen Goodfellow Kohola Leo, Gordon LaBedz Raymond and Jean and Summers Raymond e Re Michael and Barbara Resmo Barbara Michael and Timken-Sturgis Foundation Mogli Malcolm and Marilyn Jones Malcolm Marilyn and Patrick Patricia and Muffler Samuel and Kathryn Hayes Kathryn and Samuel Robert and Sophie Greeno Sophie and Robert Robert and Linda Caldwell Linda and Robert David and KarenDavid and Williams Torben Jensen Jacklyn and Jim Caldwell Christie and Th John Knutson Leslie and Rob and Louisa Shelton and Rob Louisa Shelton and Rob Hawaiian PaddleHawaiian Sports Gayle Merkle Mike and Martin an Pat and Karyn Cochran Pat Karyn and Amy Taylor and Beattie Tom Cristina and Allen Luckey Charters Strike Randy and Sandy Rolf Sandy and Randy Robert and Kay Lloyd Kay and Robert Mary AnnaEnriquez Mary Stephen Goodfel The Outlets of The Outlets Maui Maui Center Ocean Alan and AnneFeld and Alan Tamar C d Cabin o Grant Shoemaker Michelle Bari Michelle Michelle Griffoul Michelle The Eiden Family mas and M’Lou and mas Wendy B. Walsh Marjorie Barton Marjorie Stuart WisotzkyStuart Laura Blakeman Laura Mariko Higashi Mariko Makena Herget a Fam a $500 -$999 Joseph Moglia Robert StonerRobert Thomas SlaterThomas $100 Stephen Jones Peter Baldwin Michael Estes Robert Joslin Robert Gail Nichols Gail Don Kidder Anita Reith d Karen Quill

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BOARD OFDIRECTORS Meagan Jones,Meagan Ph.D., Executive Director Richard Cochran, M.D.,Richard Vice President Karyn Kunzelman, Ph.D.,Karyn Secretary Many th John O’Brien Nancy and Mitchell E. Steven Sonnenberg E. Diane and Edward and Sherry AnnDayton Sherry Edward and San Douglas and Mieko Hoffman and Douglas Jack Maribeth and Klobuchar Peter Templeton Carolyn and Don and MaryAnne Bennett MaryAnne Don and Frederick Rankin Carrell and Gail and Tony and Gail Van der Heide Dennis Glenda and Whiting Charles “Flip”Charles Nicklin William and Elaine Hartleb Elaine William and Allen Jones,Allen Treasurer Frederick Susan Kasten and David and JoanDavid and Tinkelman Michael and Mary Cudahy Mary Michael and Bob and Mariann Gorman and Bob Mike and Gail Josephson Gail and Mike David and MiDavid and Yon Anzai John Maria and Harber dra Stoner,dra President Lucie Legault Ormsby James Joy and Howell Susan Wallace Barnes Wendy Peterson Rice David R. TripplehornDavid R. anks to all anonymous donations anonymous all to anks Michael Schumacher Linda Caldwell Linda Mary Jane UpchurchMary Debra Caswell Kathy Merrill Kelley Dillon Family FundDillon Connie Sutherland Barb JohnstonBarb Hill Jonathan Kingston Darrell Champion Stephen Lefkovits Dennis Simanaitis Penelope Murphy Gwen Schuster Rikki Swenson Rikki Kathryn Faber Kathryn Donna Brown Bob Alspaugh Bob Jeanne Hardie John McCord Dr. John Mills Glenn Okuda George Banta Sarah FarrandSarah Susan Hickey Diane Cadell Diane Beth Cooper Harry ParrellHarry Linda Sparks Linda Janet Sparks Bill HartlebBill Mary TellezMary Peter Kibee Gary WeissGary Ryan Sharp Cathy Daly Cathy Jeff Halpin Bill Klapp Bill $1 -$99 Restaurants /Mark Judy and ElRestaurants Captain Steve’sCaptain Adventures Rafting Douglass J. HoffmanDouglass Photography Photography by Bryan Berkowitz Photography byBryan Hotel Eastlund / Alan BattersbyHotel /Alan Eastlund Mala Ocean Tavern Ocean Mala Honu and The Whales of Randy Randy Puckett of The Whales Ann “Frannie” Coopersmith Celebrations Gannon byBev Hawaii Rafting Adventures Hawaii Rafting Evan Schauss Glassblowing Gunars JoRene and Valkirs The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Ritz-Carlton, The The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Kapalua Ritz-Carlton, The The Jayhaw Marty WolffMarty Photography Lahaina Cruise Company Cruise Lahaina Clyde and Penny and Clyde Wakida Barry and Irene and McPhee Barry Maui Company Brewing Luckey Stri Maui Adventure Cruises Maui Printing Company IN-KIND SPONSORS Hawaiian Paddle Hawaiian Sports Gemi Maui Adventures Kayak Mercedes-Benz ofMaui Mar Ultimate Watch Whale FEATURED AR Hawai’i Rafting Ocean Flying Knives Caterers Knives Flying Hawai’i Project Ocean Tad Luc Cindy and EVENT PARTNERS ADVISORY National Geogr Sherri Reeve Designs Sherri Reeve Linbl Diane and Ron Roos Ron and Diane Connie Sutherland Frid Maui Center Ocean Jim Darling, Ph.D.Jim Darling, Tri Adventure Quinn Minden Pictures Privacy ChartersPrivacy BOARD k and Jerik and Robinson Garry WeberGarry Phylecia Platte Jason Sturgis Jayhawk Yacht Lumeria Maui Lumeri Curtis Geary PARTNERS logy Excursions logy Darla WhiteDarla Gwen Arkin ni Sailing Ch ni Sailing Jeff Herbst Susan Casey Flip Nicklin Flip a’s Hou Beach Kai Kanani Kai Kate Eifler ad Exped k –Powered ke a M Chart au ition aphic TIST

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