Setting the Highest Standards for Economic and Environmentally Sustainable Marine Tourism

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) is a nonprofit organization based on Maui, Hawai'i , USA with projects in Ecuador and Australia. Operating a fleet of seven vessels, PWF is a pioneer in the field of sustainable marine tourism. Topics to be discussed include the recruitment and training of professional, full-time naturalists as well as the creation of "Be Whale Aware", a best practices program for vessel captains based on 30 years of humpback whale field research. The presentation will also share ongoing efforts at PWF to model eco-friendly behaviours as a strategy for promoting the transition from marine tour passenger to PWF member and further participation in the organizations conservation programs. The mission of Pacific Whale Foundation is to promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planet's oceans.

Other contributors to this work:
- Gregory Kaufman, President and Founder
- Brooke Porter, Director of Conservation

Biography:
Merrill Kaufman, Director of Education Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) Maui, Hawai'i. Merrill received her B.S. degree in elementary education from Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI and her Montessori Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society. Merrill has developed Hawaiian language and Hawaiian culture modules for the Pacific Whale Foundation's professional naturalist training programs and has received a "Keep It Hawaiian" award for her work in integrating the host culture of Hawaii into PWF's marine ecotourism programs.

Light Refreshments Provided