2025 ANNUAL REPORT
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
Aloha Friends,
In Hawaiʻi, after a lava flow reshapes the land, renewal begins quietly. One of the first plants to emerge is the kupukupu fern, taking root in new ground and signaling resilience, adaptation, and growth. That image reflects Pacific Whale Foundation’s journey in 2025, and the foundation we carry with us as we head into 2026.
In 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation marked its 45th anniversary, connecting us to the origins of the Save the Whales movement and the beginnings of World Whale Day here on Maui. For 45 years, we have been guided by a belief that people and ocean life can thrive together, and by a commitment to inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins, and the ocean.
The year was also one of transition. Following the loss of Ocean Legacy in 2023, we recently welcomed the newest addition to the PacWhale Eco-Adventures fleet, Kai Kō (“sea with a strong current”). Grounded in this meaning, the name reflects strength, movement, and resilience – qualities that mirror the natural force of the ocean and the way we strive to lead in service of our mission. Shaped by our team’s vision and care, Kai Kō represents a new chapter, carrying forward our shared responsibility as stewards of the ocean and our commitment to push ahead for the marine environment and our community.
Alongside this renewal, we developed a strategic roadmap to guide Pacific Whale Foundation’s future. Grounded in science, education, community connection, and organizational sustainability, this roadmap reflects both who we are and who we are becoming. It provides clarity, focus, and direction as we grow our impact in a changing world.
Like the kupukupu fern, our progress is rooted in resilience and shaped by intention. With the support of our staff, board, partners, and donors, we look ahead with optimism and commitment to learning, stewardship, and lasting impact for generations to come.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
WITH
GRATITUDE, Dayna Garland, Executive Director
Dayna Garland, Executive Director
Programs & Community Impact
Brianna Simon, Conservation & Outreach Manager
Jens Currie, Chief Scientist & Research Director
Josh Heimowitz, Chief Development Officer
Ka’apuni Aiwohi, Community Engagement Manager & Cultural Advisor
Lauren Spencer, Education Manager
Eco-Tours & Guest Experience
Captain Alyssa Moser, Eco-Tours Director
Leilani Oshiro, Retail Director
Organizational Operations
Jen Ericson, Human Resources Director
Ryan Randazzo, Accounting Director
Tim Trenholme, Marketing & Communications Director STAFF LEADERSHIP
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jennifer Bevington, Chair
Alireza “Ali” Ali, Co-Vice Chair
Emilia Springett, Co-Vice Chair
Tahreem Kampton, Treasurer
Lisa Vogt, Secretary
Joe Burgard, Member at Large
Andrew Ellis, Member at Large
Buzz Fernandez, Member at Large
Ed Fong, Member at Large
Michael Fris, Member at Large
Miki’ala Lidstone, Member at Large
JS Masson, Member at Large
Fran Mitsumura, Member at Large
Aimee Paquin, Member at Large
Jim Rensberger, Member at Large
Mary Kate “MK” Rosack, Emeritus
Wayne White, Emeritus
MISSION STATEMENT
To inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins and the ocean.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where people and ocean life thrive harmoniously.
HONORING PLACE, PEOPLE, AND PURPOSE
PWF was founded on the sacred island of Maui, the ancestral home of the kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiian people). Being rooted in this place creates a kuleana (responsibility) to give back, care for, and honor the land and community that shape our mission.
Though our work extends beyond Maui, we carry forward Hawaiian values such as mālama i ke kai (to care for the ocean) and kuleana (reciprocal responsibility). These values guide our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and honoring those who have long protected these lands and waters.
PWF is committed to growing as a trusted ally to the Indigenous community in Hawaiʻi and to building respectful, accountable relationships with the communities we engage with across every shoreline we serve.
OUR APPROACH
Pacific Whale Foundation advances ocean conservation by integrating scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, and community action to drive effective, place-based solutions. We focus on translating knowledge into action that addresses urgent threats to marine ecosystems.
Our work is intentionally integrated across research, education, conservation, and outreach so that discovery informs learning, learning inspires action and advocacy, and action drives real-world conservation outcomes that strengthen future research and solutions. We engage people of all ages through hands-on learning and immersive experiences that build connection to ocean life and strengthen stewardship.
By prioritizing accessibility, equity, and measurable outcomes, PWF expands who participates in conservation and how change is achieved, working toward a future where ocean ecosystems and the communities connected to them can thrive together.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS
OCEAN SCIENCE
Apply research to protect whales, dolphins, and at-risk marine species.
EDUCATION & ADVOCACY
Expand ocean literacy and mobilize diverse, informed conservation advocates.
COMMUNITY ACTION
Support community-led stewardship to reduce marine debris and ecosystem threats.
REGENERATIVE TOURISM
Inspire stewardship and fund conservation through meaningful ocean experiences.
RESEARCH IMPACT
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Keana Wong has been a dedicated volunteer with Pacific Whale Foundation’s Research Department since 2023. She supports both field and data-based research efforts, assisting onboard with humpback whale and dolphin surveys, contributing to humpback whale data processing, and helping match dolphin dorsal fins for identification studies.
“Being involved with Pacific Whale Foundation’s Research Team is such a rewarding experience! I am passionate about giving back to a group that works to protect marine animals through hands-on conservation, research, and education.”
–Keana Wong
In 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation reached a pivotal milestone in its work with Hawaiʻi’s endangered false killer whales. For the first time, a multi-year, multi-partner effort began delivering the high-resolution data needed to directly inform management and recovery. This progress reflects nearly eight years of careful planning, custom equipment development, collaboration with seven organizations, and thousands of hours of fieldwork and analysis. By bringing these efforts together, we are now generating the science needed to guide recovery for Hawaiʻi’s most endangered whales. This year marked the shift from building false killer whale research capacity to generating answers and publishing findings, underscoring the power of longterm commitment.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
In 2026, we will prioritize at-risk whales and dolphins, directing research efforts where they can have the greatest impact across the Pacific.
Research surveys completed across four countries
115+ 13 1,900+ 10+
Peer-reviewed publications
Whales and dolphins added to long-term photoidentification catalogs
Active national and international research partners
NOTABLE PARTNERS ACHIEVEMENTS
• Delivered coordinated research projects across Hawaiʻi, Australia, Ecuador, and Chile, generating actionable science to inform conservation.
• Published and advanced 13 peerreviewed studies that directly inform whale and dolphin conservation throughout the Pacific.
• Completed the first ever multi-year health assessments of Hawaiʻi’s endangered false killer whales, providing critical evidence to guide recovery efforts.
• NOAA/Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
• Marine Mammal Research Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
• Cascadia Research Collective
• Griffith University
• Okinawa Churashima Foundation Research Center
• The Oceania Project
• WildAid
• Museo de Ballenas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
• Centro de Conservación Cetacea
EDUCATION IMPACT
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Ocean Camp creates life-changing opportunities for keiki to connect with the ocean through hands-on learning and mentorship, often offering their very first experiences on the water. Dedicated volunteers like Steve and Estela play a vital role in making these moments possible.
“Helping keiki get out on the water, knowing that some haven’t EVER done that before, is incredible.”
–Steve Navazio
“The best part of volunteering with the keiki camp and trips is seeing the world, and the ocean, through their eyes... [it] is always a learning experience for me.”
–Estela
De La Cruz
During the 2025 Keiki Whalewatch season, hundreds of Maui students came face to fin with humpback whales, many for the very first time. One especially memorable trip took place in early January with second graders from Kahului Elementary School. Before the excursion, nearly 60% of students shared they had never seen humpback whales in the wild. That day, the ocean came alive with breaching whales, competitive groups, and a powerful mother-and-calf encounter. Beaming with excitement, one student exclaimed, “Today changed my life because I have never seen a whale in my whole entire life.” Moments like these remind us why access to nature-based learning is so vital, and why we are proud to create lifechanging experiences for Maui’s keiki.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
We look to 2026 with intention to better serve our Maui County students and community through culturally-based, accessible and immersive environmental education opportunities.
Keiki reached through education programs and community outreach
2,000+ 516 1,266 20%
Full scholarships awarded for Keiki Whalewatch and Ocean Camp programs
Keiki participated in 75 immersive environmental education field trips
Of Keiki Whalewatch participants experienced humpback whales for the first time in their lives
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Expanded culturally grounded curriculum and ʻāina-based field trips in partnership with local organizations, weaving Hawaiian culture, language, and values into Ocean Camp and Ocean Camp: A Deeper Dive.
• Shared fire recovery efforts at two national conferences, including the Advancing Empathy for Wildlife National Conference, and celebrated a staff member receiving the Nathania Gartman Heroes Award at the Association for Professional Humane Educators National Conference for advancing environmental education access for Indigenous youth.
• Strengthened year-round partnerships with youth-focused environmental education organizations through shared spaces, services, and resources.
NOTABLE PARTNERS
• Haleakalā National Park
• Hawaiʻi Nature Center
• Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Discovery Center
• Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
• Kaʻehu
• Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
• Kīpuka Olowalu
• Maui Huliau Foundation
• Maui Ocean Center
• Point Break Pizza
• Hawaiʻi Department of Education & Local Schools
CONSERVATION IMPACT
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Brian Seifert is a dedicated volunteer with Pacific Whale Foundation’s Conservation Department, supporting the reef cleanup program at La Perouse Bay. Sponsored by County of Maui Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EP & S) and in partnership with Maui Pacific Divers, this program removes marine debris from nearshore reefs, helping protect critical marine habitats.
“Several [years] ago, I got involved with a group of volunteer cleanup divers. This sparked in me a deep commitment to help our reef systems. After about a year of volunteering, I was invited to join a chartered boat mission to collect debris from LaPerouse. The sheer amount of derelict fishing debris there really affected me. Once I learned that PWF regularly cleaned the reef there, I was excited to join them. I can say that the reef is in much better condition now than on my first mission there five years ago, and I look forward to continuing this essential work as long as I am able.” –Brian Seifert
The 2025 marine debris season began with our largest recovery effort ever. In January, a massive conglomerate ghost net weighing 2,647 pounds was safely removed over the course of one week.
A dedicated team of 21 volunteers and partners contributed 61 combined hours to secure and transport the net into our marine debris container. This recovery was more than a logistical success; it was a powerful example of collaboration, determination, and shared responsibility for ocean health. The teamwork and commitment demonstrated during this effort set the tone for an ambitious and impactful year of marine debris removal in 2025.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
In 2026, we will expand marine debris removal into more inaccessible locations while working closely with the community to address root causes and develop solutions to prevent the harmful impacts of marine debris in the environment.
18,429
Pounds of marine debris removed through reef cleanups, Marine Debris Rapid Response, and community cleanups
2,647
Pounds removed in a single ghost net recovery, the largest to date
1,197
Volunteers engaged across all cleanup efforts
238
Total cleanups conducted across programs
NOTABLE PARTNERS ACHIEVEMENTS
• Identified high-accumulation recreational fishing debris hotspots in collaboration with the local fishing community, enabling more targeted and effective cleanup efforts.
• Expanded volunteer engagement across all programs, with notable growth in the Marine Debris Rapid Response volunteer network.
• Launched a new international partnership with a marine debris organization in New Zealand, engaging students from across the Pacific to remove 6,000 pounds of debris from two North Shore Maui bays and identify an additional high-accumulation site.
• Presented at the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, sharing lessons learned and data-driven insights on marine debris impacts in Hawaiʻi.
• County of Maui EP&S
• DLNR-Division of Aquatic Resources
• Center of Marine Debris ResearchHawaiʻi Pacific University
• Maui Pacific Divers
• Sharkastics
• Art by Michi
• Sea Cleaners
• Surfrider Maui
• Point Break Pizza
• Matson
• Volunteers
OUTREACH IMPACT
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Sandy Hernandez is an Outreach Volunteer with Pacific Whale Foundation. Through the Mālama Pono program, she supports communitybased conservation by engaging in mālama ʻāina opportunities that foster stewardship, connection to place, and long-term care for Maui’s natural resources.
“When you care for the ʻāina the ʻāina cares for you. Relationship to the land, beings, and its humans is important to me. The feeling of mālama ʻāina during PWF events speaks for itself. It’s beautiful to feel Hawaiʻi's essence touching more and more lives (including mine) and that PWF partners with organizations that also keep this essence alive.”
–Sandy Hernandez
In 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation launched a new partnership with DLNR–DOFAW to advance mauka-to-makai restoration on Maui. Spanning from Olowalu to Māʻalaea, this collaboration connects Mālama Pono volunteers with community-based conservation efforts while elevating awareness of ongoing restoration work. Through DOFAW’s NOAA Coastal Resilience Project, volunteers support ridge-to-reef goals through invasive species removal, native planting, erosion mitigation, and long-term site stewardship. Focused in the Olowalu and Pohakea regions, the partnership strengthens coastal ecosystem resilience while deepening connections between people, place, and mālama ʻāina.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
In 2026, we will continue to grow community-led stewardship of Maui’s ʻāina through programs like Mālama Pono, empowering the community to care for and protect Maui’s beautiful and unique environment for future generations.
Community events hosted
Volunteer hours contributed at partner restoration sites 16 412 8 65
ʻĀina-based partners supported Volunteer opportunities offered
1,728
Mālama Pono volunteers engaged
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Expanded Mālama Pono volunteer participation, strengthening community engagement and stewardship across Maui.
• Delivered community presentations centered on mālama ʻāina, marine debris, and locally driven conservation action.
• Supported partner-led native habitat restoration by providing volunteers for planting and site restoration projects that invest in Hawaiʻi’s future.
• Engaged and inspired participants through hands-on service opportunities that foster deeper connections between people and place.
NOTABLE PARTNERS
• Hawaiʻi Land Trust
• Grow Some Good
• Kaʻehu
• Kīpuka Olowalu
• Maui Nui Sea Bird Recovery Project
• Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
• Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
• DLNR - Department of Forestry and Wildlife
ECO-TOURISM IMPACT
Through PacWhale EcoAdventures, Pacific Whale Foundation operates a mission-aligned social enterprise that connects people directly to ocean conservation through immersive, educationdriven experiences. Together with Retail, Eco-Tours serve as complementary platforms for public engagement, transforming responsible tourism into missiondriven funding, environmental education, and community action.
PACWHALE ECO-ADVENTURES
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Captain Alyssa Moser, EcoTours Director
Leilani Oshiro,
Retail Director
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Expanded mission support and awareness to South Maui through the opening of the Kīhei Ocean Store, creating a yearround hub for mission-aligned retail and community connection.
• Expanded lower-impact, mission-aligned ocean experiences with the addition of Kai Kō, increasing sailing capacity for education-focused cruises.
• Deepened mission integration across Retail operations by embedding conservation storytelling, program-specific donation campaigns, and values-aligned vendor partnerships into the in-store experience.
• Advanced environmental stewardship across Eco-Tours fleet operations by investing in cleaner propulsion technologies and upgrading vessel systems to reduce ecological impact.
• Reduced operational waste across EcoTours operations through expanded composting partnerships and continuous sustainability improvements.
HIGHLIGHTS
• 10 Naturalists certified as Interpretive Guides through the National Association for Interpretation
• $66,921 raised directly for PWF programs through retail giving and eco-tour guest donations
• 10 percent of eco-tour guests expressed interest in volunteering for Maui-based community efforts
• 40+ percent Hawaiʻi-based retail vendors, supporting local businesses
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Over the past several years, Pacific Whale Foundation has navigated significant challenges, requiring thoughtful choices and steady leadership to protect both mission and organization. In 2025, we began to see clear signs of stabilization, reflecting disciplined financial management, close monitoring of expenses, and intentional alignment of resources. Through the investment of supporters around the world, alongside mission aligned revenue generated through PacWhale Eco-Adventures, we continued to advance impactful research, conservation, and education programs, even as we worked within more limited capacity than in prior years. Together, these efforts mark meaningful progress and renewed confidence as we strengthen the foundation for broader reach and lasting impact.
2025 PWF Revenue
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
You may have heard Crystal’s voice on the phone sharing gratitude or visited with her in the PacWhale at the Ocean Ambassador Desk, or maybe even seen a photo of her inspiring young ocean stewards as a volunteer at Ocean Camp! As a dedicated Ocean Ambassador Volunteer, Crystal’s passion and warmth helps connect Pacific Whale Foundation community to the ocean in meaningful ways. We’re so grateful for all she does to support our mission and our future ocean stewards!
“I support PWF because I’ve seen how they put their mission into action! I love how they care for the ocean, the people/keiki, and the ʻāina.”
–Crystal Deichert
David Fleetham
WAYS TO SUPPORT
BECOME A MEMBER
As a Member, you connect with a large and dynamic family working to protect the world’s marine wildlife and our shared ocean.
DONATE
Your contributions directly fund our nonprofit Research, Education and Conservation programs, geared to encourage a global community of people who care about the future of our planet’s oceans.
VOLUNTEER
Offer your in-kind services to assist our Research, Education, Conservation, special events or fundraising teams.
JOIN US AT EVENTS
Check out our upcoming events, many of which help raise funds for our mission to protect the ocean and its inhabitants.
