#kristi west

Morbillivirus Disease Found in Deceased Dolphin on Maui in 2018, Raises Concerns

After two years of investigating the cause of death of a Fraser’s dolphin that was stranded on Maui in 2018, researchers discovered a novel strain of morbillivirus, a marine mammal disease responsible for deadly outbreaks among dolphins and whales worldwide.

Researchers Laud Recovery of Stranded Rare False Killer Whale

Only three Hawaiian false killer whales have been reported stranded in the past 18 years. “With less than 200 individuals alive today, every piece of information is critical,” says Dr. Kristi West, head of Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s stranding program.

Necropsy Reveals Dwarf Sperm Whale was Pregnant, Diseased

A dwarf sperm whale that beached itself along the Kīhei shoreline in South Maui on Christmas Day was a pregnant female that likely suffered from infectious disease, according to a necropsy conducted by the Hawaiʻi Pacific University.

Findings Unveiled in Study of Rare Whale Found on Maui

The Longman’s beaked whale died after stranding itself on March 22 at Hamoa Beach. It is the subject of the most in-depth research conducted to date on the species.