Whale and Dolphin Research

"There is about as much educational benefit to be gained by studying dolphins in captivity as there would be studying mankind by only observing prisoners help in solitary confinement." Jacques Cousteau

DOLPHINS

While nearshore Hawaiian spinner dolphins are known to range in Hawaiian waters year-round, many important details of their occurrence there have yet to be documented. Scientific data is critical and necessary for conservation. In order to best determine how to manage these animals, understanding of their way of life and their needs is needed.

The path of the Wild Dolphin Foundations's spinner study is analogous to Jane Goodall's study of chimpanzees: at first she just saw chimps, then she grew aware of individuals, and finally, through the known individuals, learned about their everyday life.

Among the important questions to be answered include determining the number of dolphins utilizing the coastal habitats, and whether these dolphins are year-round or occasional residents. The Wild Dolphin Foundation hopes to preserve and protect the dolphin's natural resting grounds through studies of dolphin interaction between pods and vessels. You can also help via beach and possible boat observation, photo and data-collection, in-house data entry, including photo/video editing, and by identifying individual dolphins through photo identification. These tasks are crucial in providing accurate accounts of both the Spinner's behavior and well being.

WHALES

The warm, shallow waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands constitute one of the world's most important whale habitats.

There are two populations of Hawaiian False Killer Whales. The "insular" population , found nearer the islands and of which are the only known genetically isolated population. This popluation has been decimated over the past thirty years - the current population is estimated at only 123 individuals.Ride along to record abundance and distribution of false killer whales and other cetaceans in our waters.

Hawaiian waters are the only place in the U.S. where humpback whales reproduce. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population migrate to Hawaiian waters for breeding, calving and nursing activities. The continued protection of humpback whales and their habitats is crucial to the long-term recovery of this endangered species. Our goal is to have the study area (Ka'ena Point) be awarded greater State conservation efforts. Interns can participate in both opportunistic vessel (we will not be approaching whales within 100 yards) and shore-based observations.

CORAL and FISH

We are involved with annual transects on five beaches on our coast in affiliation with Reef Check and ongoing fish surveys with REEF. We are also setting up a separate ongoing water quality sampling program for local beaches of concern.

Wild Side's wildlife tours focus on education and conservation so that an interactive relationship can be maintained in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. We strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these wonder-full marine mammals.

Our work has contributed to break-throughs in marine mammal studies in Hawaii.

Wild Side Specialty Tours, LLC
Tours with Integrity - on the island of Oahu:
Waianae Boat Harbor and Kewalo Basin Harbor
TEL (808) 306-7273
email: Info@WildDolphin.org