The annual Great Whale Count will start this Saturday, January 26th. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in what is known as one of the longest running citizen scientist projects.

There are 12 survey sites located along the Maui shoreline. Site leaders will give brief instruction to volunteers and record data throughout the day. Data collected includes the number of whales and behavior patterns. After all the data is collected throughout the day, numbers are tallied and released immediately following the count.

Other count dates include Saturday, February 23rd and Saturday, March 30th. Those wishing to become volunteers must create an account through the Pacific Whale Foundation here.