
WHO WE ARE
AWF was founded in 1996 by a team of passionate individuals who wanted to shed light on the amazing behaviors of the endangered humpback whales in Southeast Alaska.

The diverse team of biologists, educators, vessel captains and illustrators were inspired by Fred Sharpe’s early work on the social behavior of the region's humpbacks. Together, they fueled an appreciation for the animals and elicited the generous support of individuals, conservation organizations and Alaskan communities.
Decades later, AWF continues to study marine mammals and coastal ecosystems, but with more resources, established scientists and collaborators, and ambitious graduate students and undergraduate interns. As well, the organization has developed a permanent research base in a wild and pristine coastal ecosystem on Baranof Island. Today, AWF is able to fully realize its mission through ambitious scientific research, long-term ecological monitoring, student mentoring, and outreach.
OUR TEAM
Andy Szabo
Executive Director
Graduate Fellow

Martin Van Aswegen
Graduate Fellow
Gussie Hollars
Graduate Fellow
Cindy Moore
Visual Designer
Alyssa Russell
Communications Contractor
Jim Nahmens
Board President
Board Vice President
Jim Brennan
Board Secretary
Don Holmes
Board Treasurer
Pat Sharpe
Board Member
Fred Sharpe
Board Member
Madison Kosma, MSc
Board Member

Grant Riewe
Board Member
Legacy Board Member
OUR PARTNERS




