For a current Stock Assessment Report (SAR), please visit:
NOAA Fisheries - Office of Protected Resources - Marine Mammal SAR, Large Cetaceans, Central North Pacific Stock

• Listed as endangered under Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Designated as "depleated" under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
• Unlawful to approach a humpback whale in Hawaii within 100 yards (90 m), or operate an aircraft within 1000 feet (300 m).
• The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS) also protects humpbacks whales in Hawaii and their habitat

• Ship strikes
• Entanglement in marine debris
• Bycatch in commercial fisheries
• Anthropogenic noise
• Degraded water quality
  
  
  
  Photo: Humpback whale with marine debris. HIHWNMS

Current Management Issues

• Developing strategies to reduce shipstrikes during humpback whale season (November through May).
• Developing strategies to reduce entanglements and assisting the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS) when an entanglement does occur.

• Remain at least 100 yards from humpback whales, and at least 50 yards from other marine mammals.
• Bring binoculars along on viewing excursions to assure a good view from the recommended viewing distances.
• Limit your time observing an animal to 1/2 hour
• Marine mammals should not be encircled or trapped between boats or shore.
• If approached by a marine mammal while on a boat, put the engine in nuetral and allow the animal to pass. Boat movement should be from the rear of the animal.

• Marine Mammal Stranding/Entanglement Hotline: 1-888-256-9840

More Information

• NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS)
• Marine Mammal and Turtle Viewing Guidelines