The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminds the public that humpback whale season in Hawaii is underway. While some whales have already arrived, the majority will be here between January and March. PHOTO BY NOAA HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY HIHWNMS/NOAA PERMIT #14097.

KIHEI – The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminds the public that humpback whale season in Hawaii is underway.

Although the number may vary from year to year, scientists estimate that as many as 12,000 humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds off Alaska to breed, calve and nurse their young in the warm waters of Hawaii.

While some whales have already arrived, the majority will be in Hawaii between January and March.

Iconic humpback whales in Hawaii are protected by state and federal agencies. Approaching humpback whales when on or in the water within 100 yards, or within 1,000 feet by air, is illegal.

“Collisions between whales and vessels occur annually, presenting serious risks to boaters as well as the whales,” said Edward Lyman, large whale entanglement response coordinator for the sanctuary.

“Whale calves are particularly vulnerable because they are difficult to see and surface more often.”

Humpback whales can also get entangled in fishing gear, which can result in starvation, physical trauma and infections, and may contribute to vessel strikes since the animals are less mobile.

The Hawaiian Islands Large Whale Entanglement Response Network, a community-based effort led by the sanctuary, supports large whale response efforts statewide under the authorization of NOAA Fisheries.

The network involves many state and federal agencies, including the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as private non-governmental organizations, fishermen, researchers and other individuals.

If you see an injured or entangled marine mammal, keep a safe and legal distance and call NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Hotline at (888) 256-9840 or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 immediately.

If you are reporting a vessel coming too close to a whale, call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964 or e-mail respectwildlife@noaa.gov. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/res/ocean_etiquette.html.