The Sanctuary Ocean Count is a signature citizen science project hosted each year during peak whale season by Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Volunteer participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey, which is from 8 am to 12 noon on designated days. Since it is an Ocean Count, participants are encouraged to make note of any other species seen during the count.
- Locations for the Ocean Count include Hawaiʻi Kohala Coast, Kauaʻi North Shore, and Oʻahu North and Southeastern Shores.
- More info or register: https://oceancount.org/
2025 Ocean Count dates
- January 25
- February 22
- March 29
John McCarthy says
My wife Jane & I (john) enjoy participating in the annual whale count on the Big Island. Because Jane has Parkinson’s we prefer to do the the count on January 27th at Kapa’a.
Last year I sprained my ankle and was unable to participate. Although I now live on the mainland, I still think of myself as a kanapapa.