Whale Counters Have Two More Dates

Whale-counting season is at its peak in Hawaii, coordinated by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

More than 800 volunteers reported sightings and documented whales’ surface behavior Jan. 26, and they will do it again Feb. 23 and March 30. Additional

counters are welcome at the two remaining Sanctuary Ocean Counts, and Windward Oahu residents can do it in their own backyard (with no bumping) from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — at Makapuu, Waimanalo, Lanikai, Mo- kapu Point, Pyramid Rock, Kualoa Ranch, Hauula Beach Park, Laie Point and Turtle Bay.

At the 59 sites statewide for the first count, a total of 267 whales were seen during one 15-minute period, according to Christine Brammer, communications coordinator for the group.

To register, go to sanctuaryoceancount.org. For more information, call 1- 888-559-4253, ext. 253.

State and federal agencies seek to protect the humpbacks and their habitat in the Islands, where they migrate each winter to mate, calve and nurse their young.