LIHU‘E — Volunteers for the 2011 series of Ocean Count are encouraged to sign up, said Christine Brammer, Communications Coordinator of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. During the Ocean Count, scheduled for the
LIHU‘E — Volunteers for the 2011 series of Ocean Count are encouraged to sign up, said Christine Brammer, Communications Coordinator of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
During the Ocean Count, scheduled for the last Saturdays in January, February and March, volunteers count the number of humpback whales which can be seen around the Hawaiian Islands over a four-hour period. Data on their behavior is also recorded, according to an NOAA release.
This year’s counts will take place at 15 different sites around Kaua‘i on Jan. 29, Feb. 26, and March 26 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Throughout the state, Ocean Counts are planned at more than 60 sites around O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and the Big Island.
Ocean Count volunteers must be pre-registered to take part in the event. On Kaua‘i, registration is being accepted by calling 246-2860, or by e-mailing whalevolunteerkauai@gmail.com. Registration for O‘ahu and Hawai‘i can be done by visiting the sanctuaryoeancount.org website.
By registering to be a volunteer for the count, counters must also attend one of two planned mandatory training programs that include orientation on the Ocean Count, what to expect, duties, what volunteers need to bring and a multi-media presentation on humpback whales.
These training sessions will take place Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria.
Another training session will take place Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Princeville Community Center.
For those who cannot make any of the volunteer activities but would like to support the program, 2011 t-shirts are available online.
The design for this year’s shirt features the artwork of Doi and D’Angelo Artworks and are printed on soft organic cotton in colors of Pacific Blue, Sky Blue and black.
Proceeds from the t-shirt sales benefit the National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count project, and can be ordered by visiting nmsfocean.org, or calling 1-888-55-WHALE, ext. 253.
Visit hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for more information, or call 246-2860.
