New humpback whale film reveals epic journey, urgent science on World Ocean Day

A newly released 12-minute video offers fascinating insights into one of nature’s most remarkable journeys, as thousands of whales travel nearly 3,000 miles to Hawaiʻi each year to give birth.

“In the Wake of Whales,” released in partnership between the Marine Mammal Research Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Dolphin Quest, celebrates World Ocean Day.

The video features breathtaking footage of humpback whales while following University of Hawaiʻi scientists as they study and monitor the annual migration of humpback whales from Alaska to Hawaiʻi.

The video explores the endurance and sacrifices made by humpback whales during their migration, including the fact that pregnant females do not eat during the journey and rely entirely on their fat reserves.

A single pregnancy costs a mother about 22 million calories, including 97 pounds of fetal growth per day in the final months.

“Understanding the biology and behavior of humpback whales is essential, especially now as changing ocean conditions threaten their habitats and migratory patterns,” said Marine Mammal Research Program Director Lars Bejder.

The video features researchers documenting whale behaviors, collecting data and photographing the flukes (extension of tail vertebrae) of individual whales.

These unique tail markings act as identification markers and are uploaded to Happy Whale, a global database available to scientists and the public.

With more than 10,000 whales cataloged, including about 80% of the estimated 12,000 whales migrating to Hawaiʻi, the Marine Mammal Research Program’s collection is the largest in the world.

“Dolphin Quest is honored to support this research and help share it with the public,” said Dolphin Quest Co-Founder Rae Stone. “This project combines the best of science, education and conservation—and makes it accessible for everyone.”

“In the Wake of Whales” aims to inspire and educate viewers of all ages on the importance of protecting humpback whales. It is now available to watch for free on the Dolphin Quest YouTube page.

Located on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu, and Bermuda, Dolphin Quest’s mission is “to protect marine animals and their environments through experiential learning and scientific discovery.” Visit the Dolphin Quest website to learn more about its supported scientific studies and worldwide impact.

The Marine Mammal Research Program operates from the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology on Moku o Loʻe in Kāneʻohe Bay off Oʻahu and has focused on humpback whale research for the past five years.

While collaborating with the Alaska Whale Foundation, the work has helped illuminate how changing ocean conditions and increased marine heatwaves may be affecting whale health, reproduction and migration.

At the end of “In the Wake of Whales,” a QR code invites viewers to support ongoing research and conservation efforts. To learn more, visit the Marine Mammal Research Program website.