What Marine Mammal Research Program does

The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) is a university research laboratory operated within the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Founded as a formal program in 2018 (with prior work dating to the mid-1990s) and directed by Dr. Lars Bejder, MMRP conducts multidisciplinary marine mammal science focused on the conservation of humpback whales, spinner dolphins, false killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, gray whales, and Hawaiian monk seals. Its work integrates five core methods: Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS / drone) photogrammetry, Customized Animal Tracking Solutions (CATS) suction-cup biologging tags, photo-identification (including a novel aerial-identification method), satellite tagging, and biological sampling/biopsy, with outputs that include peer-reviewed publications, population abundance estimates, bioenergetic models, and science-based management recommendations for federal and state wildlife agencies.

MMRP's technology stack combines commercially sourced hardware (CATS tags with cameras, accelerometers, pressure sensors, and optional heart-rate monitoring) with proprietary deployment protocols — most notably drone-based tag deployment from 100+ meters distance and aerial-identification using tubercles and cookiecutter-shark scars to identify individual humpback whales at 95%+ rates. It integrates the I3S Classic and Happywhale platforms for photo-identification matching and applies AI/ML image-recognition algorithms to automate identification based on pigmentation, fin shape, and scarring patterns. Field operations span Hawaiian waters (Maui, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Lānaʻi), Southeast Alaska (via the Alaska Whale Foundation partnership), and Mexico (gray whale work).

The program is funded almost entirely through competitive research grants and philanthropic donations rather than commercial revenue. Primary federal funders include the Office of Naval Research, NOAA Fisheries (including the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center), and the Department of Defense Defense University Research Instrumentation Program; philanthropic and corporate funders include Dolphin Quest, the Omidyar Ohana Foundation, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Earthwatch Institute, and Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Research outputs flow to government wildlife-management customers (NOAA Fisheries, U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, NOAA Pacific Scientific Review Group, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary) and to the broader academic marine science community via publications in Conservation Physiology, Endangered Species Research, Marine Mammal Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Frontiers in Marine Science, and Conservation Biology.

Name

Marine Mammal Research Program

Legal name

Marine Mammal Research Program

Website

https://mmrphawaii.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) is a university research laboratory at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology that conducts non-invasive marine mammal conservation research using drone photogrammetry, biologging tags, and photo-identification to inform federal and state wildlife-management agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation Research

NAICS

Animal Production and Aquaculture (112)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI), Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH)

Keywords

• Marine mammal research
• Biologging tag technology
• Drone photogrammetry
• Marine conservation science
• Population ecology research

Headquarters

HQ city

Kaneohe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Research Grants: Primary funding from competitive research grants including Office of Naval Research, NOAA Fisheries, Department of Defense Defense University Research Instrumentation Program, and federal agencies. Funded research projects on marine mammal energetics, population health, and conservation.
2. Philanthropic Donations: Tax-exempt donations accepted through the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation supporting the Marine Mammal Research Enrichment Fund for research expenses and student scholarships.
3. Collaborative Research: Funded collaborative research with partner organizations including Pacific Whale Foundation, Alaska Whale Foundation, and other marine research institutions, sharing costs and expertise.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Marine Mammal Research Program conducts multidisciplinary non-invasive marine mammal research combining UAS drone photogrammetry, customized suction-cup biologging tags (CATS tags), AI/ML photo-identification, acoustic monitoring, and satellite tagging to study humpback whales, spinner dolphins, false killer whales, and short-finned pilot whales. The program produces peer-reviewed scientific publications, population assessments, bioenergetic models, and science-based inputs for conservation management and policy decisions.

Product overview

The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) at UH Mānoa is a research laboratory focused on marine mammal conservation through science-based research. Their work spans multiple interconnected research areas including humpback whale ecophysiology and behavior, population ecology, health and bioenergetics assessment, spatial ecology, and species-specific studies on spinner dolphins, false killer whales, pilot whales, and gray whales. They employ non-invasive research tools including Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS/drones) for photogrammetry, suction-cup biologging tags (CATS tags), photo-identification using I3S Classic software and aerial identification methods, biopsy sampling, and acoustic monitoring. Their research outputs include peer-reviewed publications, population assessments, and conservation science to inform management decisions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Humpback Whale Ecophysiology and Behavior Research Research program studying humpback whale physiological and behavioral responses to environmental and anthropogenic stressors, population forecasting, and life history strategies using drone morphometry, biologging tags, and agent-based modeling.
• Population Ecology Research Studies on abundance, demography and density of marine mammal populations using photo-identification, line-transect surveys, and capture-recapture models.
• Health and Bioenergetics Assessment Non-invasive health assessment using drone photogrammetry for body condition indices, biopsy sampling for hormones and genetics, and biologging for metabolic rate estimation.
• Spatial Ecology Studies Research on movement patterns and habitat use of marine mammals using satellite tags, photo-identification, and drone surveys.
• Photo-Identification Services Non-invasive individual whale and dolphin identification using natural markings, supporting population estimation, survival rates, and demographic tracking over time.
• Non-Invasive Suction-Cup Biologging Tags (CATS) Program Customized Animal Tracking Solutions (CATS) tags deployed via pole or drone for quantifying energetic expenditure, vocal behavior, fine-scale movement kinematics, and heart rate monitoring.
• Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) Drone Operations Drone-based photogrammetry for morphometric measurements, aerial photo-identification, body condition assessment, and whale disentanglement support.
• False Killer Whale Research Study of endangered Hawaiian Islands false killer whales including body condition assessment, acoustic behavior, population monitoring, and prey availability analysis using drone photogrammetry and biologging.
• Spinner Dolphin Population Study Age-structure and population health assessment of spinner dolphins using drone photogrammetry to evaluate calf percentages and population viability impacts from human disturbance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 227% increase in re-sight rates for lactating female humpback whales using aerial-ID vs traditional fluke-ID
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa / Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMMRP is the research unit within the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology at UH Mānoa. The institution provides administrative support, facilities, and academic oversight. UH Mānoa and HIMB names appear as indication of administrative and financial support.
• Alaska Whale FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for humpback whale research covering both feeding grounds in Alaska and breeding grounds in Hawaiʻi. Focuses on life history strategies, oceanographic factors, and population forecasting.
• Pacific Whale FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration providing research vessel access, field support, and joint publications. PWF operates research vessel Kaiao and provides logistical support for fieldwork in Hawaiian waters.
• Cascadia Research CollectivemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSatellite tag deployment data provider for short-finned pilot whale research. Contributed long-duration dive data essential for energetic modeling.
• Goldbogen Lab at Stanford University Hopkins Marine StationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on humpback whale calf nursing behavior research combining CATS tag technology with bioenergetic analysis.
• Friedlander Lab at UC Santa CruzmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration on humpback whale calf nursing behavior project.
• Sarasota Dolphin Research ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided morphometric data for health assessment research in Sarasota Bay, supporting comparative studies with Hawaiian dolphin populations.
• Hawaiʻi Pacific University Center for Marine Debris ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on plastic additive accumulation in dolphin tissue through biopsy sampling.
• Customized Animal Tracking Solutions (CATS)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvider of specialized suction-cup biologging tags with cameras, accelerometers, pressure sensors, and optional heart rate monitoring for non-invasive marine mammal research.
• Institute of Functional Genomics, University of MontpellierminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Dr. Angelo Torrente on heart rate sensor deployment via CATS tags for measuring dive physiology and stress levels.
• Fundación Oceanográfica, Valencia, SpainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Dr. Andreas Fahlman on physiological measurements and heart rate tag deployments.
• NOAA Fisheries / Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch permit issuer and funder through cooperative agreements. Conducted joint line-transect surveys for spinner dolphin abundance estimates.
• Hawaiʻi Uncharted Research CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on whale shark identification catalog in Hawaiʻi.
• Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine SanctuarymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOAA-managed sanctuary providing research support and collaboration on humpback whale studies in Hawaiian waters.
• University of Hawaiʻi Marine Mammal Health and Stranding LabmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on strandings, necropsies, and biological sample collection including stomach content analysis.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• U.S. Marine Mammal Commission: An independent federal agency that commissions and uses scientific research from institutions like MMRP to develop policy recommendations for marine mammal protection. As a customer/funder, comparable in shaping marine mammal conservation priorities but not a research peer in the same sense.

Direct peers

• Goldbogen Lab (Stanford Hopkins Marine Station): The Goldbogen Lab at Stanford is a leading cetacean bioenergetics research group that collaborates directly with MMRP on humpback whale calf nursing energetics studies using CATS tag technology. Operates with similar methodology, technology stack, and grant funding model.
• Pacific Whale Foundation: Pacific Whale Foundation conducts marine mammal research and conservation in Hawaiian waters, providing vessel support, fieldwork logistics, and joint publications with MMRP. Operates the same species (humpback whales) in identical study areas under a comparable grant-funded research model.
• Cascadia Research Collective: Cascadia Research Collective is a non-profit marine mammal research organization conducting satellite tagging, photo-identification, and bioenergetics studies on odontocetes and large whales. Provides satellite tag data to MMRP's pilot whale energetics work and operates under an analogous grant-based academic research model.
• Alaska Whale Foundation: Alaska Whale Foundation is a direct strategic partner studying humpback whales across North Pacific feeding and breeding grounds, sharing life history, oceanographic, and population forecasting research with MMRP. Comparable research scope and grant-funded non-profit model.
• Sarasota Dolphin Research Program: Sarasota Dolphin Research Program is the world's longest-running dolphin research program, focused on long-term population monitoring, health, and behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay. Provides morphometric data comparable to MMRP's dolphin studies and is a core model for longitudinal small-cetacean research programs.

Broad incumbents

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: WHOI is a leading global oceanographic research institution with significant capabilities in marine mammal bioacoustics, biologging, and oceanography. Comparable in research scale and technology development to MMRP, though broader in scope.
• Duke University Marine Laboratory: Duke Marine Lab is a major academic marine science institution conducting cetacean, fisheries, and oceanographic research with similar grant-based operations. Comparable in research depth to MMRP but with broader topic coverage.
• Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA-managed sanctuary that conducts and supports humpback whale research, monitoring, and education across Hawaiian waters. Direct research partner with MMRP and a key site for collaborative cetacean work.
• NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC): NOAA PIFSC is the federal government research arm conducting stock assessments, line-transect surveys, and management science for cetaceans in Hawaiian and Pacific Islands waters. Direct partner with MMRP on spinner dolphin abundance estimates and a primary source of funding and permit issuance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mmrpuh7262
• Facebookfacebook.com/MMRPUH
• Instagraminstagram.com/mmrp_uh
• TikToktiktok.com/@mmrp_uh?lang=en
• Xx.com/mmrp_uh

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Marine Mammal Research Program