SYMPOSIUM
Saturday, February 13, 2010

Protecting & Saving Whales through the Power of Public Awareness & Scientific Discovery



Saturday is the first day of a two-day symposium dedicated to protecting and saving whales through the power of public awareness and scientific discovery. The Saturday symposium is free and open to the public. Includes free talks, workshops and presentations by renowned researchers, educators and those involved in watching and protecting whales from around the world at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A shareathon (in which participants can share videos, photos, stories and artwork relating to whales and whalewatching) will take place from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

There is an optional luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Westin. Price is $35 and includes a presentation by a special luncheon guest speaker (to be announced.)


Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Patagonia and Pacific Whale Foundation present Maui's first Wild & Scenic Film Festival, an evening of award-winning short films relating to the ocean, water, climate change and the environment. Be entertained and educated! Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, from companies including Osprey Packs, Tom's of Maine, Sierra Nevada, Clif Bars, Patagonia and Pacific Whale Foundation. 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Westin Maui in Kaanapali. The films from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. have been selected to appeal to children and adults. $10 per person. Order your tickets in advance and get one free ticket for every ticket purchased. Call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 or order online at www.pacificwhale.org.

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SYMPOSIUM
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The symposium continues on Sunday with two workshops and a special post-conference whalewatch:

WORKSHOP 1: "Whale Photo Safari"



Join Pacific Whale Foundation researcher Annie Macie and other noted wildlife photographers on a whalewatch photo safari from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. aboard the Ocean Explorer from Lahaina Harbor. With a capacity of just 49 passengers, and stadium style seating, this vessel is a favorite of wildlife photographers year-round. Participants will get hands-on training with state-of-the-art digital cameras from Canon and will receive a DVD of all images and video collected during the safari. Participants will receive expert advice on capturing whale images and learn about utilizing the latest digital photo techniques and data storage. Please bring your cameras. The cost of the photo safari is $99.95.

WORKSHOP 2: "The Delicate Art of Watching Whales from Land"

Learn tips on spotting whales from shore as well as identifying whale behaviors and interpreting social interactions. This free workshop is led by a noted humpback whale research scientist and a certified marine naturalist from Pacific Whale Foundation at Papuwai Point (the scenic lookout) on Route 30, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Binoculars provided during the workshop.

VIP Whalewatch with International Experts



See the whales on a VIP whalewatch led by some of the world’s foremeost researchers, scientists and environmentalists. The whalewatch led by the presenters from the "Watching Whales, Saving Whales" Symposium will take place from 11 a.m. To 1:00 p.m. On the double-deck power catamaran Ocean Discovery from Lahaina Harbor. Participants on this two-hour eco-adventure cruise will receive a complimentary whale poster, free color whalewatch guide, and an autographed copy of Greg Kaufman and Paul Forestell's book, Humpbacks of Hawaii, The Long Journey Back. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you receive a "Just a Fluke" coupon to go again for free. Early reservations are strongly encouraged for this one-of-a-kind whalewatch. $49.95 for adults; Children ages 7 to 12 are $34.95; free for kids ages 6 and under. Book online at www.pacificwhale.org and save 10%. Pacific Whale Foundation Members save 20%. For information and reservations, call (808) 249-8811 or 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1.