Sanctuary Ocean Count
Every year since 1996, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has conducted the Sanctuary Ocean Count. Volunteers throughout the islands of Hawai'i conduct yearly shore-based counts during the peak breeding season for humpback whales. Their observations help the sanctuary monitor humpback whales and promote public awareness and shore-based whale watching opportunities. To date, the Sanctuary Ocean Count has over 60 designated sites across three islands, with more than 2,000 volunteers participating in this citizen science opportunity.
