Join us in safeguarding Hawai‘i’s vibrant marine life!
Your support fuels our Marine Mammal Research Program, where we combine world-class research with hands-on education to protect whales, dolphins, and other treasured species. Your donation directly supports student training, critical fieldwork, and groundbreaking discoveries that help us preserve these magnificent animals and their habitats for future generations.
Why Your Support Is Critical.
Hawai‘i’s waters are home to more than 25 species of marine mammals, including the endangered false killer whale, the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the acrobatic spinner dolphin, and the awe-inspiring humpback whale.
However, they are facing unprecedented threats. This year marks a record number of entanglements for humpback whales. False killer whales are declining by 5% per year, with fewer than 150 remaining. North Pacific humpback whales are shifting their distribution in response to ocean heatwaves, raising concerns about long-term impacts. Spinner dolphins in Hawai‘i experience the highest human exposure rates in the world.
As threats intensify, research is more crucial than ever to safeguard these species and their habitats. You can make a difference in ensuring Hawaiian waters provide clean habitats, stable food supplies, and safe places for whales and dolphins to birth and rear their young.
The Marine Mammal Research Program at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology supports undergraduate and graduate students, including those from underserved communities, to cultivate the next generation of scientists. Our work provides critical insights into marine mammal abundance, behavior, health, and habitat use—informing policies that protect these animals while promoting responsible ocean stewardship and sustainable tourism.
From uncovering the impacts of marine heatwaves on humpback whales to documenting the immense human pressures on spinner dolphins, our research is driving the future of marine conservation. Through groundbreaking acoustic studies on false killer whales and monk seals, we offer vital insights that shape policies and protect these incredible species. Beyond research, we share our findings through education and outreach to connect with and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Using knowledge as our compass, MMRP is forging a path toward a resilient, healthy, and thriving ocean for Hawai‘i.
We would love to have you join us on our journey to understand and steward marine mammals! Your donation will create a lasting impact, uniting top conservation researchers with the next generation of scientists, ensuring the future of marine conservation. Your generosity will drive groundbreaking research, advance conservation solutions, and empower future marine scientists. Together, we can protect these iconic species for generations to come. Your donation directly supports students, critical fieldwork, essential research equipment, and outreach efforts.
