HONOLULU -- As part of its
efforts to promote safe and legal vessel operation during Hawaii’s
winter humpback whale season, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine Sanctuary’s Ocean Etiquette Campaign is using signage to
educate ocean users.
Signs are being installed at small boat harbors and ramps across the
state to warn boaters of vessel-whale collision risks and to remind
ocean users about the federal 100-yard humpback whale approach rule.
“We’re entering the peak period for humpback whales in our waters.
From now through May all ocean users should remember to take extra
precautions to avoid vessel-whale collisions and close approaches,”
advises Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
One vessel-whale collision has already been reported this season, and
officials have evidence suggesting at least two more have occurred.
A collision, “self-reported” by the vessel operator, occurred off
Kaua‘i in late December.
Reports of two humpbacks observed off Maui with injuries consistent
with a vessel strike were also received by NOAA agency partners in late
December 2006.
NOAA officials are currently reviewing the facts and circumstances
surrounding these incidents.
There were six confirmed vessel-whale collisions reported last season
(2005-2006), with at least two resulting in serious injury to whale
calves.
Ed Underwood, DLNR Boating and Ocean Recreation administrator,
stresses the safety hazard presented by vessel-whale collisions. “Adult
humpbacks weigh as much as 45 tons and serious injury can occur to
passengers and crew when a vessel strikes these large animals. Mariners
should view humpbacks as hazards to navigation, and operate their
vessels accordingly,” Underwood said.
Two types of signs are going up at 11 state boating facilities (see
images below). One sign warns of the collision risk and the other
advises boaters of the federal 100-yard approach rule, which prohibits
any ocean user from approaching within 100 yards of any humpback whale
(except with special authorization from NOAA).
Sign locations are as follows:
Kauai: Nawiliwili, Port Allen, Kikiaola small boat harbors
Oahu: Hawaii Kai marina, Haleiwa small boat harbor
Maui: Kihei and Mala ramps, Lahaina and Ma’alaea small boat harbors,
Hawaii: Honokohau harbor and Puako ramp.
The signs are one component of the Ocean Etiquette Campaign being led
by the state (DLNR) office of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine Sanctuary, in partnership with the sanctuary’s federal
office (administered by NOAA’s National Ocean Service), NOAA’s National
Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO), and
the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement (OLE).
Other campaign components include, eight boater workshops held
recently across the state, new brochures, marine wildlife legal
handbooks, stickers, and other outreach products targeting boaters. More
information on the campaign is available at:
http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/safe_boating.html
Below are some vessel-whale collision avoidance guidelines presented
to promote boater safety and whale protection:
Keep a sharp lookout – Vessel operators should always stay vigilant
for whales and other collision hazards. Look ahead for “blows” (puffs of
mist), dorsal fins, tails, etc. Operators are further advised to post at
least one dedicated whale lookout person, in addition to the operator,
from November through May.
Watch your speed - 13 knots or less may reduce injury potential.
Stay at the helm – Keep hands on the wheel and throttle at all times,
and be ready to take action immediately to avoid a whale in your path.
Keep your distance - Once whales are sighted, stay at least 100 yards
away.
Stop immediately if within 100 yards of a humpback whale - Use prudent
seamanship to decide to either move away slowly or wait for the whale to
move away.
Go around whales from behind - While maintaining 100 yards distance, if
you encounter whales in your path, do not attempt to run out in front of
whales to get past them.
Warn other vessels – Use appropriate VHF radio protocol or other means
to alert other vessels that may not be aware of whales in their path.
Don’t assume whales see you or will get out of the way - Calves are
especially vulnerable since they are curious and may not have learned to
be cautious of vessels.
Plan ahead – There may be delays in transit due to whale encounters, and
avoid nighttime operations if possible.
Call the NOAA Hotline if involved in a collision: 1-888-256-9840 - If a
phone call is not possible, hail the US Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.
# # #
For more information, news media please contact:
Jeff Walters, Sanctuary Co-Manager, HIHWNMS, DLNR
808-587-0106 office; 808-282-0155 cell
jeffrey.s.walters@hawaii.gov
