The Sanctuary Ocean Count is a signature outreach and citizen science project that Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary hosts annually. Ocean Count serves to promote public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands. The count is conducted three times per year during peak whale season and provides a snapshot of humpback whale sightings from the shoreline. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals? surface behavior during the survey. The Sanctuary Ocean Count project is highly dependent on and hugely successful due to our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers! Check out oceancount.org to learn more!

The 2024 event dates are the following Saturday's: January 27, February 24 and March 30!

The 2024 t-shirt focal design was generously created by an amazing local artist Katelin Branco. Katelin is a self taught artist from the Big Island of Hawai?i. In her spare time she dabbles in painting, digital media, and some crafting. The main source of inspiration she has for creating art comes from her love for animals and the beauty of nature. If there is anything she would want to come from doing art, it would be to inspire and encourage others to care for our planet and the life on it. 

Proceeds benefit National Marine Sanctuary Foundation - Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Mahalo for your support!