Alaska Whale Foundation Explained

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]

Notes and References

1. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Benicia-Man-Makes-an-Art-of-Saving-Whales-329596891.html "Benicia Man Makes an Art of Saving Whales"
2. Book: Kathleen Dean Moore. Kathleen Dean Moore. Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature. 2010. Shambhala Publications. 978-0-8348-2318-1. 189–.
3. http://www.kfsk.org/2015/07/21/tourists-flock-to-five-finger-lighthouse/ "Tourists flock to Five Finger Lighthouse"
4. Web site: Our Story. Alaska Whale Foundation. December 31, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141231045932/http://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/our-story/. December 31, 2014. dead.
5. Book: Michael Tennesen. The Next Species: The Future of Evolution in the Aftermath of Man. 17 March 2015. Simon & Schuster. 978-1-4516-7753-9. 174–.
6. Book: TOM Bennett. WHALE ATTACK: Whale Attacks on Yachts and how to Minimise them.. 5 May 2015. TOM Bennett. 39–. GGKEY:9E50GSJ7HD0.
7. Web site: Research. Alaska Whale Foundation. 31 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141231081500/http://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/research-page/#research-home. December 31, 2014. dead.
8. Book: National Geographic Magazine. July 1999. National Geographic Society. Volume 196, Issues 1-6 - Page 126
9. Web site: Study Measures Impact of Boat Noise on Humpback Whales. UC Davis News and Information. 31 December 2014.
10. Web site: Health and Stranding. NOAA Fisheries. 31 December 2014.
11. Book: Kathleen Dean Moore. Kathleen Dean Moore. Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature. 2010. Trumpeter Books. 978-0-8348-2318-1. 189–.
12. http://www.ktoo.org/2015/11/02/marine-researchers-use-traditional-place-names-knowledge/ "How researchers use traditional place names and knowledge"
13. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20151205/NEWS/151209812 "Dan Haifley, Our Ocean Backyard: Whale Entanglement Team raising funds for new boat"