Pictured receiving a $6,000 check to further their research are (from left): whale researcher and author Dr. Jim Darling, underwater videographer Jason Sturgis, whale researcher and Whale Trust Executive Director Dr. Meagan Jones-Gray, and Hawaii Ocean Project Program Coordinator Amy Fonarow.

LAHAINA – The Whale Tales program held its grand finale on Monday, Feb. 16, with Lahaina Harbor’s largest boat bringing out 75 whale watchers to benefit the nonprofit Whale Trust.

Noted speaker and marine mammal photographer Flip Nicklin hosted a noon whale watch aboard the Maui Princess, the flagship of the Hawaii Ocean Project fleet. Nicklin is part of the Whale Trust organization headed by Dr. Meagan Jones-Gray and Dr. Jim Darling. Whale Trust is one of the five recipients of research money raised by Hawaii Ocean Project.

“We have an immediate need for our community to support legitimate and peer-reviewed research on Hawaii’s whales, dolphins and marine ecosystem,” said Hawaii Ocean Project Capt. Dave H. Jung.

The project’s “100% Research Direct” program collects donations to support science.

Hawaii Ocean Project recently presented a $6,000 check to whale researcher and author Dr. Jim Darling, underwater videographer Jason Sturgis, and whale researcher and Whale Trust Executive Director Dr. Meagan Jones-Gray to further their research.

The money was generated during the last whale season by Hawaii Ocean Project’s memberships, direct guest donations, and on-board retail and snack sales from the Kaulana, Maui Princess and Lahaina Princess boats.

To book a whale watch with Hawaii Ocean Project, call 667-6165 or visit www.hawaiioceanproject.com.