LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Greg Kaufman upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Whaling Museum & Education
Center on July 19, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Greg
Kaufman upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the Whaling Museum & Education Center, to be celebrated at its Luau on
the Harbor on Saturday, July 19, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Greg Kaufman is the founder and Executive Director of Pacific
Whale Foundation and author of numerous books, scientific and popular
publications; and
WHEREAS, A pioneer in noninvasive humpback whale research in the mid-
1970s, Greg Kaufman founded Pacific Whale Foundation in 1980, and
committed his new organization to educating the public, from a scientif-
ic perspective, about whales and their ocean habitat; and
WHEREAS, Greg Kaufman oversees the longest running humpback whale
research program off Australia, which began in 1984, and has studied
humpbacks in Hervey Bay since 1987; he is a world leader in addressing
whale protection issues, and has pioneered responsible whale and
dolphin-watching programs throughout the Pacific; and
WHEREAS, Widely acknowledged as an innovator and leader in marine
ecotourism, Greg Kaufman is an Invited Participant to the International
Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee and is a contributor to the
subcommittees on Whalewatching, Southern Hemisphere Whales and Bycatch;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he serves on the Hawaiian Island Humpback
National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Committee, and recently co-led the
United Nations Environmental Program's Regional Workshop on Marine
Mammal Watching in the Wider Caribbean Region; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Greg
Kaufman over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Greg Kaufman upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Whaling Museum & Education Center on July 19, 2014;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Greg Kaufman.