‘Whale Aware’ Reminder Issued as Season Approaches

By Maui Now Staff

Image courtesy Pacific Whale Foundation. Click image to view in greater detail.

The Pacific Whale Foundation is reminding ocean-goers and boaters to be Whale Aware as the wintering whales make their annual return to the islands.

The first humpback whale sighting in Maui County waters this season was reported on October 6, 2011 off the eastern coast of Lana’i.

The agency celebrates the start of whalewatch season on Saturday, November 26, when whale sightings are guaranteed through mid-May.

As the ocean traffic from whale season approaches, the Pacific Whale Foundation has issued several reminders including the 100 yard rule–that requires vessels to stop if an unexpected whale encounter occurs.

The following are tips were prepared by the Pacific Whale Foundation for vessel operators and ocean-goers alike:

Being Whale Aware:

1. LOOK OUT, WHEN WHALES ARE ABOUT: From December through May always stay at your helm and post an observer to spot whales while underway.
2. SLOW DOWN, WHALES AROUND: From December through May reduce speed to 15 knots or less in ‘whale waters’ (waters 100 fathoms – 600 feet – in depth or less). Reduce speeds to 10 knots or less after dark.
3. SEE A BLOW, GO EXTRA SLOW: Reduce your speed to 6 knots or less when within 440 yards of a whale or dolphin group. Avoid abrupt course changes.
4. BRAKE FOR WHALES, STOP YOUR PROP: federal and state laws prohibit approaching humpback whales closer than 100 yards.
5. 100 YARDS OR LESS = STOP: If your vessel unexpectedly encounters a humpback whale within 100 yards, STOP IMMEDIATELY and allow the whales to pass.
6. AVOID APPROACHING whales and dolphins from the front or from directly behind. Always approach and depart from the side rear, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
7. KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path. Avoid positioning your vessel within 440 yards of the path of traveling whales.
8. BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS: approach areas of known or suspected whale and dolphin activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
9. LIMIT YOUR VIEWING with whale groups containing calves to 30 minutes. This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
10. NO MORE THAN THREE: Never more than three vessels of any size or type should stop to watch a whale or dolphin group.
11. DO NOT SWIM with or FEED whales.
12. If a COLLISION OCCURS, immediately call the National Marine Fisheries Service Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline: 1-888-256-9840. To report a violation of the 100-yard approach rule, or human related disturbance, call NOAA Enforcement: 1-800-853-1964.

Proper Whale Approach

1. Vessels should operate in a direction parallel and to the side rear of the whale’s travel direction, maintaining a minimum distance of 100 yards.
2. A vessel’s speed should be six knots or less and never faster than the whale’s speed when engaged in parallel viewing. When disengaging, angle vessel away from the nearest whale, and depart at slow, no-wake speed.
3. Do not leap-frog ahead or cut in front of a whale’s path.

Need Help?

To report an injured, stranded, or entangled whale, please call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline: 1-888-256-9840.

Please report immediately and keep your distance, for your safety. Injured, sick or entangled animals can be unpredictable and dangerous.

*** Supporting information courtesy Pacific Whale Foundation.