PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION

Ocean Odyssey is Kvichak's Fifth Hawaiian Catamaran

Kvichak Marine recently delivered a fifth catamaran to Hawaii, the all-aluminum Ocean Odyssey, to Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) of Maui. Ocean Odyssey not only marks Kvichak's fifth Hawaiian catamaran, but it also represents PWF's second Kvichak built cat within 16 months. Constructed to USCG regulations for 149 passengers, Ocean Odyssey is a Crowther Multihulls design. The 64-x 28-ft. vessel operates for PWF's Eco-Adventure cruises, which include snorkeling, wild dolphin watching, and whale watching tours out of Maui's Maalaea Harbor. The combination of open deck space and stadium-style seating offers ideal viewing of whales and dolphins without increased vessel maneuvering. Cummins KTA19-M4 engines provide power for Ocean Odyssey. The engines are fueled by recycled cooking oil, which is non-pollutant and eliminates diesel fumes. Rated for 700 bhp @ 2,100 rpm, the engines are coupled to ZF IRM 350-A2 marine gears and enables Ocean Odyssey to cruise at speeds of about 23 knots and reach top speeds of approximately 27 knots. During the educational excursions, Ocean Odyssey offers a host of comforts to its passengers including: fresh water showers, men's/women's bathroom, food and beverage service from the main deck bar, and easy access dive platform.

Boats: Hawaiian Catamaran: Environmental Awareness In Comfort

Hawaiian maritime tradition traces its roots to the huge ocean going outrigger canoes that took sophisticated navigators island hopping around the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Today fiberglass versions of these canoes are put through their paces by canoe racing clubs. Other reincarnations of the outrigger's twin hulls are the many catamarans, both sail and power, that take thousands of tourists out into the island waters every day of the year

New Bay of Fundy Shipping Lanes

Transport Minister David Collenette and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Robert Thibault, together with Dr. Moira Brown of the Canadian Whale Institute, announced that new shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy, designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale population from ship strikes, will officially be put into operation on July 1, 2003.

Whaling Ships Embark on Research Trip

According to a Kyodo News story, a fleet of whaling ships recently left Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to conduct a scientific research program on whales in the Antarctic for the Tokyo-based Institute of Cetacean Research. During the expedition, the institute plans to catch 10 fin whales for the first time. It also plans to double the amount of catch of minke whales to about 850. In June, the International Whaling Commission adopted a nonbinding resolution urging Japan to scrap its

Right Whale – Wrong Whale

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a rule rescinding its 2003 rule that purported to separate the right whale into the North Atlantic right whale and the North Pacific right whale and make various other changes under the Endangered Species Act. The 2003 changes were made without proper authority. NMFS will commence analysis to determine whether the two northern right whales are related. Adding to the confusion, there is also a southern right whale

Hawaiian CAT: Enviro Awareness In Comfort

Hawaiian maritime tradition traces its roots to the huge ocean going outrigger canoes that took sophisticated navigators island hopping around the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Today fiberglass versions of these canoes are put through their paces by canoe racing clubs. Other reincarnations of the outrigger’s twin hulls are the many catamarans, both sail and power, that take thousands of tourists out into the island waters every day of the year.

Japan, S. Korea Ships Troubled by Whales

High-speed ships connecting the southwestern Japanese city of Fukuoka and the South Korean city of Busan are having trouble with increasing collisions with whales near Tsushima Strait. Some experts claim that whales collide with ships when they rapidly surface from deep water, while others say female whales raising calves have trouble avoiding fast-moving ships. Ship operators are trying hard to pinpoint the cause

Meetings To Address Problem of Ships Hitting Whales

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has scheduled four public meetings in September and October to discuss the problem of ships hitting endangered North Atlantic right whales. The meetings have a dual purpose: (1) to provide information on right whales and ship strikes, and (2) to gather suggestions and ideas on how ship strikes can be prevented. The meetings are scheduled for September 13 in Port Newark, New Jersey; September 14 in Silver Spring, Maryland; September 28 in Savannah

NOAA – Avoid Migrating Whales

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reminded mariners to keep a sharp lookout for North Atlantic right whales in southeast US waters from November 15 through April 15. North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered marine mammal populations in the world. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fixed fishing gear are the two greatest threats to their recovery. This species is protected under the U.S

New Whaling Protest Vessel Ironically Japanese-Built

Los Angeles-based philanthropist & co-creator of TV’s 'The Simpsons', funds purchase of new Sea Sherpherd anti-whaling patrol ship 'Sam Simon'. Sea Shepherd's new Antarctic patrol ship, the Sam Simon, has been unveiled in the port of Hobart, Tasmania, docked at Macquarie Wharf 1. The vessel, retired from service by the Japanese Government in 2010, had since been laid up in Shimonoseki, Japan, alongside the very ships Sea Shepherd will confront this season.