Volunteer Spotlights
The dedicated volunteers of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are crucial to the success of our mission to protect and conserve humpback whales in Hawaiʻi. Their support covers a broad range of activities, including participating in large whale entanglement training and response, conducting community science projects such as Sanctuary Ocean Count, and serving as visitor center docents, turtle patrol interpreters, and Sanctuary Advisory Council members. We are honored to shine a spotlight on our dedicated volunteer ocean stewards. Their stories illustrate their deep commitment and personal connections to this special place.
Sanctuary Ocean Count Volunteers
The success of the Sanctuary Ocean Count program rests entirely on the enthusiastic commitment of its dedicated volunteers. This collective effort epitomizes the power of community science, where members of the public partner with the sanctuary to collect a suite of observations for monitoring humpback whale population trends and distribution in Hawaiʻi. Beyond the data, these ocean stewards are celebrated for their invaluable time and energy, which extends the sanctuary's reach, educates hundreds of people annually, and fosters a high level of public awareness and appreciation for koholā, or humpback whales.
Gabriele Finn
Oʻahu - Lanikai
28 years of volunteer service
“Sanctuary Ocean Count has become a tradition for me and a reminder of the incredible beauty and awe we have in Hawaiʻi. When we take the time to pause, sit, and truly look at the ocean, we’re often rewarded with something amazing.”
Gabriele Finn
How has your involvement been since first joining in the late 90s?
I originally joined because of a school project for my youngest child, and it quickly became something I looked forward to every year—a meaningful way to connect with the ocean and my community.
What is a fond memory or highlight from a past count day?
One of my favorite moments is always spotting whales unexpectedly close to shore—those sightings never get old and always feel like a gift.
Is there anything you would like to share in regards to witnessing the evolution of the program and the changes in public awareness?
Over the years, I’ve seen the program grow from a relatively small volunteer effort into a well-known program, while public awareness and concern for ocean health has continued to grow. There’s a strong sense of community—familiar faces, shared excitement, and a collective pride in contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
Anything else you would like to share to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sanctuary Ocean Count?
Thirty years of ocean counts shows what’s possible when science, community, and passion come together. I’m proud to have been a small part of something with such lasting impact.
Edd Schepker and Sheri Knapp
Kauaʻi - Poʻipū Beach Park
23 years of volunteer service
How has your involvement been since first joining?
We have volunteered for at least 23 years. Sheri helped Jean with the second Sanctuary Ocean Count held on Kauaʻi in the early 2000’s. Sheri worked under contract with Jean for a couple of years, especially with the Sanctuary Ocean Count and Ocean Fair outreach and education events.
Over the years, we have been involved as site leaders at multiple sites around the island and enjoyed experiencing the different locations, meeting new volunteers, and visiting with people we’ve met at previous events. For many years, we have educated a lot of the public about whales and other species we’ve observed as site leaders at Poʻipū Beach Park.
What is a fond memory or highlight from a past count day?
Some of our favorite times at the site were when we observed multiple species of birds, spinner dolphins, honu, monk seal, and even bottle nose dolphins along with the humpback whales.
Is there anything you would like to share in regards to witnessing the evolution of the program and the changes in public awareness?
The public seems to be more aware of humpback whales and educated about the modern-day challenges they face compared to the early years of the Sanctuary Ocean Count program. The education and outreach efforts of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary have increased awareness in the community. We have something special to share that should be appreciated and protected.
Anything else you would like to share to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sanctuary Ocean Count?
The Sanctuary Ocean Count is an important part of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Congratulations on celebrating 30 years!
Beth Earles
Hawaiʻi Island - Kapaʻa Beach Park
23 years of volunteer service
What does Sanctuary Ocean Count mean to you? How has your involvement been since first joining?
There is nothing in the world more peaceful than sitting by the ocean. There’s very few things more relaxing than having to sit by the ocean and watching for whales. My name is Beth Earles and I’ve been a site leader at Kapaʻa Beach Park on the Big Island since 2003. With my co-site leader, who happens to be my mother, we’ve spent the last 20 plus years at Kapaʻa happily teaching others how to count and track the behavior of humpback whales.
What is a fond memory or highlight from a past count day? Is there anything you would like to share in regards to witnessing the evolution of the program and the changes in public awareness?
Each count day is different. There's a mix of our “regulars”—people who are on island because they either live here or spend part of their years here regularly. We have met people from all over the world.
What is amazing to me is that it’s more than just counting whales and their behaviors. I’ve had the honor of seeing a just born calf taking its first swim and watching the mother gently guide the baby in learning how to breathe. I’ve seen false killer whales chasing a humpback up the coastline. And I have stood at the ready to call the authorities when boats get too close or appear to be harassing the whales. Our groups have seen honu, sharks, dolphins, and birds. Mom and I encourage the volunteers to document everything.
It’s a time to relax and reflect; a time to make new friends and catch up with friends you may not have seen since the last count. I get to share my knowledge of the humpback whales and my home, the Big Island, happily and often during those glorious four hours.
Volunteers of the Year
Every year, each national marine sanctuary nominates a Volunteer of the Year for outstanding contributions to the National Marine Sanctuary System. These exceptional volunteers donate their time, energy, and talents to conserve America's underwater treasures, often for many years. Learn more about past Volunteer of the Year honorees from Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and others across the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Connie Webb
Since moving to Maui in 2020, Connie Webb has visited the local fishpond fronting Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's offices daily for morning beach walks and to paddle outrigger canoes three times a week. She began volunteering with the Turtle Patrol program shortly thereafter, and is now an integral part of the team, visiting the site most mornings to check for sea turtles, post wildlife viewing signs when they are present, and teach beachgoers about the sea turtles and the sanctuary. With the launch of our daily sunset patrol docent program in October 2024, Connie has helped immensely by training new volunteers and working two to three sunset shifts per week. She is a wonderful support to our volunteer program, with a genuine love for the work we do. In her own words, Connie says that "Volunteering has enriched my life, proving that with purpose, now even paradise feels more complete."
Lee James
As one of only five Level IV responders in the Hawaiian Islands, Lee James leads the West Maui Large Whale Entanglement Team, maintaining 24/7 on-call status for whale response during whale season that runs from November through April. In 2023, he led three entanglement response efforts, and provided in-kind support by dedicating one of his vessels for response and research, including drone operations, sampling, and gear deployments. Lee was also instrumental in getting the West Maui response team up and running again after the devastating Lahaina fires–-even as he and his business were recovering from personal losses. Lee has personally helped increase NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary education and outreach capacity through his tour operation, promoting the sanctuary and their mission and broadening their visibility through messaging with his clients, and as a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council.
Grover Hatcher
Grover has been a volunteer since 2018, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He is a leader for our Turtle Patrol and Team Ocean programs, and helps the sanctuary spread important messages about conservation far beyond our visitor center walls. It’s clear that Grover has a deep respect and passion for Hawaiian wildlife and culture, and is always striving to learn more and share his knowledge. He is dependable and enthusiastic, and we’re lucky to have him!
Suzanne Langman
Suzanne has contributed to Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in so many ways over the years. She is an incredible artist and has spent many hours painting and developing new materials for the Sanctuary to use in our education and outreach programs. She works in our visitor center, helps with school groups, and plays an active role in almost all of our outreach events. Suzanne is passionate about Hawaiian wildlife and culture, and extremely knowledgeable. She is excellent at interacting with the community, and inspires our visitors and keiki (children) to care for our ocean. We’re so thankful for all of the incredible work she’s done!
Grant Thompson
Grant Thompson began volunteering with Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in 2008. In addition to volunteering his time and expertise, he also contributes funding and his own resources to assist the sanctuary. Grant’s volunteering began with vessel operations and maintenance, but over the years broadened to include response, response preparedness, and research and monitoring. He’s been integral to our vessel emergency preparedness, and has provided equipment like emergency knives, field tourniquets, and COVID-19 safety gear to the team. Grant also volunteered his own vessel for use during research and monitoring when the sanctuary vessel was unavailable. Furthering his commitment, he fabricated a new knife, known as the “Thompson Blade” which is used for cutting embedded wraps entangling whales.
Grant also contributes to the sanctuary’s overall preparedness, risk assessment, equipment acquisitions and maintenance, as well as daily operations like dune restoration, on-site irrigation, and outreach. He spends time sharing knowledge and experience with other volunteers, staff, and the public. Grant and his volunteerism elevate the level of expertise and professionalism of the sanctuary, helping us become a world leader in whale disentanglement. The breadth and depth of Grant’s volunteering is extraordinary, and everyone at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is grateful for the time, energy, and generosity that he gives to the sanctuary.
Robert ‘Bob’ Gladden
Bob Gladden has been instrumental over the last decade as an entanglement response and community outreach volunteer in Kona for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Bob built the sanctuary’s first underwater pole-camera system and, with his support, the sanctuary completed the highest number of large whale entanglement response trainings of any region in 2017 and 2018. Bob’s award as the Volunteer of the Year is a tribute to his dedication and passion helping the sanctuary meet its mission to protect humpback whales and their habitat.
Sanctuary Volunteers
At Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities including whale identification, wildlife monitoring, serving as visitor center docents, and representing their community constituents as Sanctuary Advisory Council members. Learn more about National Volunteer Week and other volunteers featured across the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Makaʻala Kaʻaumoana
Sanctuary Advisory Council Vice Chair and Member
10+ years of volunteer service
What does the National Marine Sanctuary System mean to you?
Our sanctuaries provide protection and refuge for our marine creatures and paths of connection for people and our marine environment. They support and promote ways to understand our Earth and actively participate in its resilience.
What is one of your proudest volunteer or citizen science contributions to the National Marine Sanctuary System?
Serving on the Sanctuary Advisory Council for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has provided many opportunities to learn and share with others, but teaching children about how our sanctuary works in Hanalei on Kaua‘i has been very rewarding.
What is your vision for ocean conservation?
Ocean conservation cannot be considered in isolation from all conservation. Everything is connected. My vision is that these connections will be understood and fostered and life on land will thrive as partnered with life in the ocean.
Anything else you would like to share to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sanctuary Ocean Count?
Thirty years of ocean counts shows what’s possible when science, community, and passion come together. I’m proud to have been a small part of something with such lasting impact.
Jeep Dunning
Visitor Center Docent, Sanctuary Lecturer, Outreach Interpreter, Administration Assistant, Education Assistant and Sunset Turtle Patrol Docent
17 years of volunteer service
What does the National Marine Sanctuary System mean to you?
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is my Maui ‘Ohana (family). I have made many dear friends from all over the country and the world. I have become a lifelong learner with access to the newest and up-to-date marine science, taught by scientists at the forefront of their field. I found that I love to teach and delight in sharing information about our whales, turtles, monk seals, fish, and the ocean that surprises and intrigues both children and adults.
What is one of your proudest volunteer or citizen science contributions to the National Marine Sanctuary System?
One of my proudest moments was as a co-presenter of the 45-Ton Talk with Large Whale Entanglement Response Coordinator Ed Lyman to the residents of Moloka‘i. Another was to be named Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer of the Year in 2016.
What is your vision for ocean conservation?
My vision for ocean conservation is to see a shift in the direction of education and policy in relation to ocean conservation. Every citizen of the U.S. and people across the world must understand the dire consequences that we face as the health of our ocean deteriorates. Before I leave the planet, I would love to feel that the countries of the world are taking the appropriate steps to heal our ocean and our Earth.