Home Scuba Diving Pacific Whale Foundation Begins 2004 Humpback Whale Project in Ecuador

Pacific Whale Foundation Begins 2004 Humpback Whale Project in Ecuador

Pacific Whale Foundation, based in MA’ALAEA (MAUI), HI, launched its 2004 Humpback Whale Project in Ecuador on June 15, 2004. This is Pacific Whale Foundation’s 4th year of conducting whale research and environmental educational programs along different areas of Ecuador’s coast.

As part of the countries Humpback Whale Project, Pacific Whale Foundation will continue photo-identification studies of Southern Pacific humpback whales, document song characteristics and behaviors of singing males, and provide environmental education programs for the school children of Ecuador as well as naturalist training programs for the captains and crew of whalewatch boats.

The Foundation’s Ecuador Research Project takes place primarily at Machalilla National Park, a 136,000 acre protected area along the Ecuadorian coastline that encompasses dry tropical forests, white sand beaches and islands, and is home to dolphins, sea lions, whales, and a number of unique bird species.

In addition, researchers will also document marine mammals strandings, assess the impact of whale watching vessels on whales and record songs from male humpback whales.

To learn more, visit their website at www.pacificwhale.org