Help protect ocean users and whales
Humpback whale season is upon us and to ensure the well-being of both ocean users and whales it is necessary to observe safe boating practices. Thousands of humpbacks come to Hawaii each year, primarily between November and May, and unfortunately, vessel-whale collisions happen every year. As an ocean user, we want to remind you to remain vigilant and:
• Keep a sharp lookout for whales and other hazards.
• Watch your speed. Research shows that speeds of 10 knots or less reduce injuries if collisions occur.
• Stay at the helm. Always keep your hands on the wheel and the throttle.
• Keep your distance. Once you’ve sighted a whale, stay at least 100 yards away.
Humpback whales are protected by state and federal laws. It is illegal to approach a humpback whale closer than 100 yards by sea and 1,000 feet by air.
Ocean users provide an invaluable role as our eyes and ears on the water. Please help by:
• Report suspected violations of the approach regulation to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement at (800) 853-1964.
• Immediately report an injured or entangled marine mammal to NOAA by calling the 24-hour hotline at (888) 256-9840. Monitor the animal from a safe distance of 100 yards or more until trained responders arrive.
For more information you will find the “Boating and Ocean Use Guide,” which provides detailed information on safe boating and ocean use practices around humpback whales on the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources website. Please share this information with your staff, customers, volunteers and others. This information is available from the sanctuary website at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/documents/resprot.html.
You may also request a presentation by sanctuary staff for your organization. To find out more, call Shannon Lyday at (808) 725-5905 or shannon.lyday@noaa.gov. Thank you for helping to ensure the continued protection of Hawaii’s humpback whales.
Malia Chow
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary superintendent
and
Bruce Anderson
Superintendent of the state DLNR DAR administrator