Alaska Whale Foundation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1996[1] and based in Warm Springs Bay, Alaska, that studies humpbacks and their habitat in Southeast Alaska.[2][3] AWF maintains the Coastal Research and Education Center, a permanent research base on Baranof Island.[4]

Since its foundation, AWF has conducted a number of research projects in Southeast Alaska including investigations into whale acoustics, cooperative bubble-netting,[5] cow-calf relationships and prey dynamics.[6][7][8]

AWF has also collaborated with UC Davis and Search for ExtraTerrestrial (SETI) Institute to study the impact of boat noise on humpback behavior.[9] AWF is part of the Alaska Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network and participates in marine mammal stranding response May through September.[10]

In 2010 the organization maintained a research vessel, Evolution.[11]

Scientists at the foundation make presentations to inform other researchers and the public about whale behavior.[12] Its members also participate in the Whale Entanglement Team, helping to save whales caught in netting.[13]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Benicia Man Makes an Art of Saving Whales". NBC Bay Area, September 28, 2015, By Joe Rosato Jr.
  2. ^ Kathleen Dean Moore (2010). Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature. Shambhala Publications. pp. 189–. ISBN 978-0-8348-2318-1.
  3. ^ "Tourists flock to Five Finger Lighthouse". KFSK Community Radio, by Joe Sykes, July 21, 2015
  4. ^ "Our Story". Alaska Whale Foundation. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  5. ^ Michael Tennesen (March 17, 2015). The Next Species: The Future of Evolution in the Aftermath of Man. Simon & Schuster. pp. 174–. ISBN 978-1-4516-7753-9.
  6. ^ TOM Bennett (May 5, 2015). WHALE ATTACK: Whale Attacks on Yachts and how to Minimise them. TOM Bennett. pp. 39–. GGKEY:9E50GSJ7HD0.
  7. ^ "Research". Alaska Whale Foundation. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  8. ^ National Geographic Magazine. National Geographic Society. July 1999. Volume 196, Issues 1-6 - Page 126
  9. ^ "Study Measures Impact of Boat Noise on Humpback Whales". UC Davis News and Information. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  10. ^ "Health and Stranding". NOAA Fisheries. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  11. ^ Kathleen Dean Moore (2010). Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature. Trumpeter Books. pp. 189–. ISBN 978-0-8348-2318-1.
  12. ^ "How researchers use traditional place names and knowledge". KTOO Public Media, By Jennifer Canfield, November 2, 2015
  13. ^ "Dan Haifley, Our Ocean Backyard: Whale Entanglement Team raising funds for new boat". Santa Cruz Sentinel, By Dan Haifley, Our Ocean Backyard. December 5, 2015