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16 Maui Ocean Adventures & Whale Watch Magazine RESEARCHER'S CORNER MAUI'S KEIKI KOHOLA By Rachel Cartwright Each winter, the waters of the Au'Au Channel between Maui and Lanai become an impromptu nursery for a new generation of humpback whales. The Keiki Koholā Project is a small, local research organization with a big goal; their aim is to protect this unique playground and ensure the health and safety of humpback whale mother and calf pairs within this special area. In the Hawaiian language, "keiki" means young one, the term "koholā" refers to whales, so Keiki Koholā means young whale. The youngest humpback whales begin their lives in Maui's warm, protected waters. Pregnant humpback whales swim over 3000 miles to reach this perfect nursery. For moms-to-be, their goal is get beyond the range of their key predator, the transient Orca, as baby whales would be perfect Orca snacks. So they travel south, and at the end of their migration they give birth to a 2,000 lb. baby. Newborn calves measure 12 –15 feet in length, they can't hold their breath for long and they can't even swim very well. The warm, calm waters of Maui provide the perfect place to raise these young whales. The Keiki Koholā Project conducts research that can be directly applied to help protect this unique area. Dr. Rachel Cartwright leads the scientific work, Captain Amy Venema, of Ultimate Whalewatch, handles logistics and John and Dan Cesere, of Cesere Fine Art Photography, bring their photographic skills to the team. Students and local volunteers also assist the team on the water. Through their research, the team has identified 2 key stages in the development of young calves. The youngest calves are typically very active; this builds up muscles and improves their swimming abilities. For maturing calves, the priority is growth, so they spend 50% of their time at rest. Thanks to mom's fat-rich milk, healthy calves gain 50 lbs in weight each day. The waters of the channel comprise critical habitat for mother and calf pairs during this time. Moms and calves carefully choose their resting spots, so if you're out on the water, give resting moms and calves lots of space. This is a great way to help ensure that these young whales get the best possible start in life. As climate change impacts our oceans, humpback whales face new and daunting challenges. Warming of the waters inyoung their feeding grounds is reducing food availability, and this is especially stressful for moms with young calves. So right now is the time when humpback whales really need our help. Here's what you can do: The warm, sheltered waters around Maui offer a safe and secure haven for humpback whale mother and calf pairs. Here's how you can help during your vacation to safeguard this special place: 1. If you go out whale-watching, choose a reputable boat company and ask the company how they support the protection of this area. 2. If you go out kayaking or paddle-boarding, be sure to follow the rules. Stay at least 100 yards away and don't leap-frog in front of traveling whales. Give mother and calf pairs extra space. Rest is really important for these pairs and they are easily disturbed. 3. Choose one thing you can do to help protect our oceans. Ditch the straw, offset your air travel or join an environmental organization. Get involved and make sure your voice is heard. For more information visit the Keiki Koholā Project website at www.caringforcalves.org. Check out the latest press release from the National Marine Sanctuary at sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/. Note: Images obtained during permitted research activities conducted under permit 10018, 17145 and 17854-2. © CesereBrothers.com NMFS permit 17145 Ultimate Whale Watch provides financial support to whale researchers who are publishing legitimate science, as well as support such as boats and volunteers to assist with research. Here's a list of some of them whom you can contribute to directly, and the research they have published. Note: On July 18, 2012, one of Maui's most celebrated researchers for over 34 years, Dr. Dan R. Salden, passed away. He is missed by all. Robin Baird Cascadia Research Collective Toothed Whales and Dolphins Contact: CascadiaResearch.org Dr. Rachel Cartwright The Keiki Kohola Project Protecting Humpback Habitats Contact: CaringForCalves.org Dr. Meagan Jones Whale Trust Maui Whale Research & Awareness Contact: WhaleTrust.org Dr. Mark Deakos HI. Assn. for Marine Education & Research Marine Resources & Policy Contact: HAMERinHawaii.com © CesereBrothers.com NMFS permit 10018 Supported by Ultimate Whale Watch © NMFS permit 17854-2 Typically, a mom may lose more than 30% of her body weight while nursing her calf. In this image, the mom has a very young calf.