Humpback Whale Advisory 
By: Georgia Johnson-King, UHM MOP Student

As the beginning of whale season approaches, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would like to remind the public that humpback whales will soon be present in Hawaiian waters. Traditionally, MOP students have gone to Spitting Caves to participate in NOAA’s annual whale count. Unfortunately, this year, that will not be possible, but there are many locations around the island where whales can be seen from shore.

The peak of humpback whale season is between January and March, although whales may start arriving earlier than this or leave later. The whales spend summer months feeding in the krill-rich Alaskan waters, and migrate annually to Hawaii for calving. The islands provide a safe breeding ground and habitat to give birth to and nurse their calves. The gestation period of humpback whales is around 11 months, and though they do not travel in pods like other species, they do work cooperatively, and mothers stay with their calves for about a year.

NOAA offers the following tips and guidelines so people can safely appreciate these beautiful whales:

• Residents should be cautious when using marine vessels and enjoying recreational activities such as fishing or diving.
• In Hawaii, being within 100 yards of a humpback whales when in or atop the water, or within 1,000 feet by air, is illegal.
• The public should remain vigilant while in or near the water, operate water vehicles at safe speeds, and familiarize themselves with helpful phone numbers.

To report a Marine Mammal Stranding or Entanglement, call NOAA’s hotline at 888-256-9840. To report a vessel travelling too close to a whale, contact NOAA’s Fisheries Enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964. Alternatively, the U.S. Coast Guard is available on VHF channel 16.