I want to send out a Big Mahalo to all of the “Sea Riders” who have gone out on our Whale Watching excursions this year! So Far, we have had a remarkable season and some amazing encounters! Several sightings of Entangled and distressed or deceased Humpbacks as well, So I want you to know that you have also contributed to Whale Research when you go out on our 2 Hour PM Excursions!

We also sponsor Outreach for the children of Kaua’I and help various non-profit organizations who could not contribute monetarily.

This season we have 3 NOAA Teacher Workshops with Jean Souza and volunteers from the Kaua’I Marine Sanctuary.

We also comp a teenage Hawaiian Mentorship program and Hale Opio ( )

Whale Watching Fund Raiser for “Surf Haiti” a great, non-profit organization that helps with getting Clean Water to the community there, still suffering from the Earthquake.

I have been blessed with the vessel and the location— to be able to give back is amazing in this economy and without Your support that wouldn’t be possible!

Thankyou from Captain Tara and Crew @ Kaua’I Sea Riders!

NOAA Teacher Workshop Jan/2012

Pilot Whales/ Koa Kai Survey "Mark Cotter" U Mass.

This photo is of  mother and calf  Short-finned Pilot Whales, taken off of Lana’i. Kaua’i Sea Riders charters were left in the capable hands of Captain Rob and Crew Nick! I was fortunate to have a great opportunity as a Field Biologist on the 90′ vessel “Au’kele” as a Marine Mammal Observer. We covered a large area of ocean in the southern part of the Hawaiian Islands, including the sea mounts west of the Big Island. Basically the survey was conducted to locate as many marine mammals as possible and to quantify and observe behavior and collect data on rare odonticae (toothed whales) including the extremely endangered pseudorca (false killer whales)
The survey was for HDR Consulting and the U.S. Navy. Great group of scientists from all over the country, with various experience and backgrounds. I have been busy with Sea Riders, my kids  and coral reef , monk seal research, so it was the first time in many years that I have been able to do this type of shipboard research. It was awesome to spend time with peers in the field of Marine Biology and pick their brains about the whales, dolphins and seals they have experienced throughout the world.
At the same time sharing Hawai’i and applying stewardship, science and technology. I learned so much- Mahalo to all who made this survey possible!

Sue & Mark Pieper