The first humpback whale of the season was spotted Sept. 29 by researchers aboard NOAA Ship Hiialakai on their journey home from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. ADVERTISING The first humpback whale of the season was
The first humpback whale of the season was spotted Sept. 29 by researchers aboard NOAA Ship Hiialakai on their journey home from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
“Humpback whales remind us that this is one contiguous archipelago,” said Randall Kosaki, NOAA’s deputy superintendent of the monument and chief scientist of the expedition. “These whales seamlessly utilize both the NWHI and the inhabited Hawaiian islands.”
Another sighting of an adult humpback whale was reported a few days later near the Pacific Missile Range Facility off the southwest coast of Kauai by Capt. Sterling Silva aboard the Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures. Whale behaviors observed included a breach, a pectoral slap and a dive.
Humpback whale season in Hawaii generally runs November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. More than 10,000 humpback whales winter in Hawaiian waters each year.
With the arrival of humpback whale season in Hawaii, ocean users are reminded to keep a safe distance from the animals. Endangered humpback whales are protected in Hawaii. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year, not just when whales are visiting our waters. An extra set of eyes scanning the waters ahead and to the side of a boat can prevent collisions.
If you come across an injured or entangled marine mammal, maintain the required safe distance and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at (888)256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on Ch. 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at (800)853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
“It’s important for everyone to be extra vigilant during whale season, for their own safety and the protection of the animals,” said Malia Chow, Superintendent of the sanctuary.
