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Humpback whales head to Hawaii in wintertime, to mate and raise their young in the warm, shallow waters of the island chain.
Like all whales humpbacks are air breathing mammals. At full size they may be more than 45 feet in length and they weigh around a ton per foot. They are longlived and responsive. Juveniles are especially friendly and often quite curious. Calves comprise up to 10% of the population here, but as many as º of these calves may not survive throughout their first year of life. | 
NMFS Permit no. 895-1450 Copyrighted Photos Unpermited use is strictly prohibited. |
 NMFS Permit no. 895-1450 Copyrighted Photos Unpermited use is strictly prohibited. | The first months of life are a crucial time for these calves and the project hopes to ensure that Maui waters provide the healthy and stress free conditions mothers and calves need during this vital period. |
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The dangers for calves are many. This calf was attacked by false killer whales and lost both tips of itís flukes. False killer whales are common in these waters during the winter, as are tiger sharks, which may also predate on humpback calves.
There are also human activities that may affect the well being of these calves. Boat traffic is increasing in many areas, underwater noise is also increasing and water quality is changing. As yet we have no information on the impact these changes may have on the health and well being of young whales. |
 NMFS Permit no. 895-1450 Copyrighted Photos Unpermited use is strictly prohibited. |
 NMFS Permit no. 895-1450 Copyrighted Photos Unpermited use is strictly prohibited. |
Humpback whales are very attentive mothers. It has been estimated that a mother may provide her calf up to 100 gallons of milk per day. The calves grow at a phenomenal rate during this time and by the end of the winter they must be ready to make a three thousand mile migration north to the feeding grounds in and around Alaska. Calves must be in good health to make the migration successfully.
This is a very rare picture of a calf nursing, the calf gently nudges the mother on her underside and she pumps the milk out to the calf. |
| Humpback whales have fought their way back from the very brink of extinction. In monitoring and safeguarding the health and well being of calves in these waters we hope to contribute to their full recovery. |
 NMFS Permit no. 895-1450 Copyrighted Photos Unpermited use is strictly prohibited. |
Photos taken on NMFS permit no 895 - 1450
Authorisation numbers 99 -01 - 6