Dr. Michael Poole’s research has discovered that some humpback whales use French Polynesia as a breeding ground; this was previously unknown. During the 1800′s, southern hemisphere humpbacks numbered around 100,000. This number has been reduced by 97% due to industrial whaling! Due to his research, valuable data has become available on these magnificent, endangered giants. His most recent triumph is the approval of a Whale & Marine Mammal Sanctuary in the waters of French Polynesia. Dr. Poole proposed the project to the government, wrote the legislation for it, and spent countless hours meeting with government officials to get it approved … and finally, it is going to happen.