Protecting Whales, Inspiring Action, Driving Change
2025 IMPACT REPORT
QUARTERS I & II
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
Aloha Friends,
The first half of 2025 has been a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and shared purpose.
At Pacific Whale Foundation, we have remained steadfast in our mission to protect the ocean and inspire environmental stewardship. The progress reflected in this report is possible only because of you.
Our dedicated teams have continued vital research, led immersive educational experiences, and engaged in meaningful conservation work, all driven by your unwavering support. Together, we have expanded our efforts to care for the marine environment, deepened connections with our community, and inspired the next generation to develop a lasting respect and curiosity for the ocean.
Your support is more than a contribution; it is a statement of hope and a promise to future generations. Each step forward embodies our shared vision of a world where whales, dolphins, and all marine life thrive in a healthy ocean ecosystem.
Thank you for standing with Pacific Whale Foundation. Because of you, we continue this journey with optimism, purpose, and deep gratitude.
WITH HEARTFELT APPRECIATION,
Dayna Garland Executive Director
2025 SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Dayna Garland, Executive Director
Ka’apuni Aiwohi, Community Engagement & Communications Manager
Jens Currie, Chief Scientist
Jen Ericson, Human Resources Director
Susan Frett, Programs Director
Josh Heimowitz, Chief Development Officer
Ryan Randazzo, Accounting Director
Tim Trenholme, Marketing & Communications Director
Captain Alyssa Moser, EcoTours Director
Leilani Oshiro, Retail Director
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 protect the ocean through science and advocacy and inspire environmental stewardship.
VISION STATEMENT
To be the people’s environmental organization for the global protection of whales, dolphins, and other marine animals living wild in their natural habitat.
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 PWF’s work extends beyond Maui, its foundation remains grounded in Hawaiian values such as mālama i ke kai (to care for the ocean) and kuleana (responsibility). These values guide our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and honoring those who have long protected these lands and waters.
PWF remains committed to be an integral ally to the indigenous community in Hawaiʻi and to the communities we engage with across every shoreline we serve.
OUR APPROACH
PWF’s work is grounded in science and powered by communities. This approach ensures that conservation is both evidence-based and culturally respectful.
Environmental advocacy and cultural integrity guide all initiatives. By centering accessibility, the organization engages underserved communities and amplifies diverse voices in marine protection.
Education is intergenerational, reaching keiki (children), kūpuna (elders), and everyone in between. Through hands-on experiences, PWF fosters long-term environmental stewardship.
All efforts are integrated across four core areas: Research, Education, Conservation, and Outreach. These programs work in concert to identify threats, inspire action, and build a future where marine life and human communities thrive together.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS
Cetacean research and advocacy
Youth education and workforce development
Marine debris removal and prevention
Community-led stewardship of Maui’s ʻāina
Eco-tourism as an educational and revenuegenerating platform
RESEARCH IMPACT Q1-Q2
In early 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Research Team advanced marine mammal conservation across Hawai‘i, Australia, Chile, and Ecuador. Through field surveys, tagging, and sampling, the team gathered critical data on species health and behavior to inform protection efforts. From launching a new study in Australia to marking 22 years of research in Chile, their work underscores a strong commitment to science-based ocean stewardship.
Cetacean sightings of more than 10 marine species
Survey days across 4 regions
Satellite and suction-cupped tags deployed
Papers and technical reports published
KEY ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
• Hawaiʻi Research Team deployed only the 5th CATS video tag ever on an endangered false killer whale.
• Chile Research Team completed its 22nd field season studying the Chilean blue whale.
• Australia Research Team launched a new study of vulnerable Australian humpback dolphins.
• Ecuador Research Team's Programs Director, Dr. Cristina Castro, was recognized by two influential magazines as one of five women shaping Ecuador’s future.
EDUCATION IMPACT Q1-Q2
In the first half of 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Education Team continued to deliver transformative marine education experiences that inspire environmental stewardship and foster a deeper connection to ocean ecosystems. Through programs such as Keiki Whalewatch and Ocean Camp, students engaged in hands-on, place-based learning focused on humpback whales, marine science, and conservation. These experiences foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of kuleana (responsibility) for protecting the ocean.
1,109
Students participated in Keiki Whalewatch
Scholarships awarded to Maui students
Students attended Ocean Camp programs
KEY ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
• Education Team partnered with 23 school groups across Maui, including Kamehameha Schools, King Kekaulike High School, and Pāʻia Elementary, to expand access to marine science learning.
• Keiki Whalewatch provided hundreds of students the chance to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviors.
• Ocean Camp sessions offered immersive, multi-day learning focused on marine biology, conservation, and STEM exploration.
• ʻOhana the Inflatable Whale made a splash at the Hawai‘i STEM Conference on Oʻahu thanks to shipping support from Young Brothers.
CONSERVATION IMPACT Q1-Q2
In the first half of 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Conservation Team strengthened efforts to protect Maui’s coastal and marine ecosystems through community-driven action. Programs such as Marine Debris Rapid Response, Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring, Adopt A Beach, and regular community and reef cleanups engaged volunteers in meaningful stewardship. These initiatives support data-informed advocacy, empower residents and visitors to take action, and remove harmful debris from ocean habitats, reinforcing a shared kuleana to care for the island’s natural environment.
9,311
Pounds of debris removed from Maui shorelines and reefs
572
Volunteers participated in community conservation efforts
134
Cleanups conducted across beaches, harbors, and reefs
KEY ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
• Launched a new advocacy initiative to engage supporters around federal policy changes impacting marine life.
• Represented PWF at Pilina Kanaloa Day at the State Capitol alongside ocean conservation partners from across Hawai‘i.
• Completed the first net retrieval by scuba diving, expanding PWF’s capacity to remove entanglement threats from reef environments.
OUTREACH IMPACT Q1-Q2
In the first half of 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Outreach Team continued to strengthen community relationships and environmental stewardship through the Mālama Pono program. Meaning “to care for and protect with integrity,” mālama pono reflects a deep cultural value of doing what is right for both people and place. This program engages residents, staff, and visitors in hands-on service projects that support the health of Maui’s land, ocean, and cultural resources. From habitat restoration to coastal cleanups, these efforts build stronger connections to place while empowering people to care for the environment together.
573 332 27
Hours of service contributed
Volunteers engaged through Mālama Pono
Volunteer events hosted
KEY ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
• Strengthened partnerships with local organizations including Grow Some Good, Hawai‘i Land Trust, Kaʻehu, Kīpuka Olowalu, Keālia Pond, and Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project.
• Hosted 27 service events, engaging the community in beach cleanups, habitat restoration, and cultural conservation projects.
• Expanded outreach in the community by attending local events and sharing information about ocean conservation, cultural stewardship, and ways to get involved.
ECO-TOURISM IMPACT IN 2024
As the social enterprise of PWF, PacWhale EcoAdventures continues to demonstrate what it means to operate as a missionaligned, environmentally responsible business. In the first half of 2025, our ecotours, retail operations, and sustainability initiatives supported critical research and education programs while embodying PWF’s commitment to regenerative tourism, marine conservation, and community engagement. Through meaningful onboard interpretation, sustainable practices, and innovative tour development, we are redefining what it means to be an eco-tour company—one that educates, inspires, and actively protects the ocean we call home.
ECO-TOURS RETAIL
1,062
Hours in safety, science, JEDI, sail, and culture training
43 $20K 12,191
Volunteer hours from PacWhale staff for PWF’s Mālama Pono program
Gallons of biodiesel used
24,675
Retail customers served (4% increase over last year)
61,707
Units sold, with new offerings supporting sustainable and local brands
36,000 $10K
Pounds of food waste turned into compost with Kupaʻa Farms per year
Generated from Kahala x PWF aloha shirt collaboration; $6K donated by Kahala
In donations raised in-store, with 23% directed to support Ocean Camp
KEY ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
• Advanced sustainability by repowering Ocean Explorer, bringing our full fleet to Tier 3 emissions standards and improving fuel and oil efficiency.
• Introduced a new late-day eco-tour, the Maui Snorkel & Sunset Sail, which quickly became one of our top-performing cruises in Q2.
• Certified 10 naturalists as interpretive guides through the National Association for Interpretation, enhancing our educational impact on every tour.
• Opened a new Ocean Store in Kīhei on February 2, expanding access to eco-conscious products and deepening our connection to the local community.
• Construction progressed on Kai Kō, a new sailing catamaran designed with sustainability and marine education in mind.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
The first half of 2025 has marked a meaningful step forward in strengthening our financial foundation. Individual giving has significantly exceeded expectations, fueled not only by our dedicated base of supporters, but also by inspiring new gifts from major donors who share our vision for a healthy ocean. We launched a refreshed corporate sponsorship program this year and have received enthusiastic early feedback, with promising conversations already underway. We are hopeful this will translate into increased revenue and deeper partnerships in the months ahead. While foundation support remains below projections, we are actively applying for funding and investing in relationship-building to help funders better understand our financial model and how their support directly increases impact across our programs. At the same time, we have managed our resources responsibly, operating below budget while advancing key conservation, research, education and outreach initiatives.
As we look toward the second half of the year, we invite you to help fuel our mission by joining our peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, Race for Whales, becoming a recurring donor, or connecting us with business or foundation leaders who are aligned with our vision. Your continued support empowers us to protect marine life and inspire ocean stewardship for generations to come.
Summary of revenue & expenses
Total Expenses $1,402,792
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.
