The
Hawai‘i Marine Mammal Consortium is composed of marine
mammal
scientists from institutions around the country who share an
interest
in marine mammal research and conservation in the waters surrounding
the Hawaiian Islands. We have a strong commitment to increase and
promote knowledge and education about marine mammals and the marine
environment to help island communities value, understand and protect
Hawai‘i’s marine life. A fundamental tenet of this consortium is
that it is larger than any of its individual members, that it will
outlive all of us and that it is founded on a vision of collaboration
and excellence.
Main Goals of the HMMC
To conduct and
coordinate research on wild populations of whales, dolphins and seals
in the public interest
To link HMMC
scientists with Hawai‘i educators and community members by serving
as
an educational resource and by providing internship opportunities for
high school and college students
To
cultivate and maintain broad multi-disciplinary ties with
oceanographers, geologists, climatologists and other scientists to
address large-scale issues affecting marine mammals and their habitat
To
build a permanent underwater acoustic observatory as a research tool
and as a means to raise public awareness of marine mammal dependence on
a healthy underwater acoustic environment
To
work with existing agencies and organizations to help coordinate
efforts for rescuing, rehabilitating or necropsying stranded marine
mammals
To
promote awareness of the importance of a healthy marine ecosystem
