More Whale Counters Sought

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

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 East Oahu residents can do it in their own backyards (without being bumped) from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — at Makapuu, Halona Blowhole, Lanai Lookout, Hanauma Bay, Spitting Caves or Diamond Head.

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

To register, go to sanctuaryoceancount.org.

For more information, call 1-888-55- 94253, 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.