The National Marine Sanctuary Program

The National Marine Sanctuary Program, a network of 13 marine protected areas, encompasses

ocean and freshwater resources from Washington state to the Florida Keys, from Lake Huron to the Gulf

of Mexico and from offshore to the island of American Sa ̄moa. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration’s National Ocean Service has managed the national marine sanctuaries since the

passage of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Title III of that Act is called

the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

 Today, our marine sanctuaries contain deep ocean gardens, coastal coral reefs, whale migration

corridors, deep-sea canyons, and underwater archaeological sites. They range in size from one-quarter

square mile in Fagatele Bay, American Sämoa, to more than 5,300 square miles off Monterey Bay,

California, one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. Combined these sanctuaries protect

nearly 18,000 square miles of coastal and open ocean waters and habitats within a multiple use

framework. Multiple uses such as recreation, commercial fishing, and shipping are permitted to the

extent that they are consistent with an individual sanctuary’s resource protection mandates. Research,

education, and outreach activities are also included in each sanctuary’s program of resource protection.

 The National Marine Sanctuary Program, as a leader in marine protection, is committed to effective

ocean management with special emphasis on the protection of our nation’s living marine resources and

submerged cultural resources.

National Oceanic and

Atmospheric

Administration

U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Donald L. Evans

Under Secretary of Commerce

for Oceans and Atmosphere and

Administrator, National Oceanic

and Atmospheric Administration

Vice Admiral

Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr.

U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Assistant Administrator for

Ocean Services and Coastal

Zone Management, National

Ocean Service

Margaret A. Davidson (acting)

National Marine Sanctuary

Program Director

Daniel J. Basta

 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale

 National Marine Sanctuary

Naomi McIntosh (Acting Manager)

Jeffrey S. Walters, Ph.D

(Co-Manager, State of Hawai‘i)

Front Cover: The average tail of the adult

humpback spans nearly 30 feet. Its powerful

muscles enable humpbacks to migrate 3,000

miles between polar seas and Hawaiian waters.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS permit # 633

Back Cover: Hawaiian waters are believed to be

the birthplace of most humpbacks in the North

Pacific.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/ NMFS permit # 822
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback

Whale National Marine Sanctuary

The warm and shallow waters surrounding the main Hawaiian

Islands constitute one of the world’s most important humpback

whale habitats. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire

North Pacific humpback whale population migrate to

Hawaiian waters each winter to breed, calve, and nurse their

young. The continued protection of humpback whales and their

habitat is crucial to the long-term recovery of the endangered

species. The Sanctuary is also home to pilot whales, Hawaiian

monk seals, spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, trigger fish and

cauliflower corals. Its waters also include archaeological sites

and historic shipwrecks.

The sanctuary is managed through a partnership between the

State of Hawai‘i and the National Oceanic Atmospheric and

Administration (NOAA) which strives to cultivate and heighten

awareness by developing programs in marine research and

education.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine

Sanctuary invests vigorous efforts in ensuring participation in

ocean education and the support of accessible marine research

through programs that highlight the humpback whales and the

special Hawaiian ocean environment.

Contents

p. 1

 • The National Marine

 Sanctuary Program

p. 2

 • Hawaiian Islands Humpback

 Whale National Marine

 Sanctuary

p. 3

 • Introduction

p. 8

 •The Sanctuary & Education

p. 12

 •The Sanctuary & Research

p. 17

 •The Sanctuary and Native

 Hawaiian Culture

p. 18

 •The Sanctuary & Inter-Agency

 Cooperation

p. 21

 •The Sanctuary and Social

 Impacts

p. 24

 •The Sanctuary & Enforcement

For More Information

Mailing Address:

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale

National Marine Sanctuary

O‘ahu Office

6700 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Suite 104

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96825

Telephone: 808-397-2651

Fax: 808-397-2650

Maui Office

726 South Kihei Road

Kihei, Hawai‘i 96753

Telephone: 808-879-2818

Fax: 808-874-3815

Kaua‘i Office

4370 Kukui Grove Street, Suite 206

Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i 96766

Telephone: 808-246-2860

Fax: 808-246-2862

E-mail: hihumpbackwhale@noaa.gov

Web Site: www.hihwnms.nos.noaa.gov

State of Hawai‘i Office

Department of Land & Natural Resources

1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

Telephone: 808-587-0106

Fax: 808-587-0115
Introduction

Executive Summary

The whales are coming! The whales are here! Excitement always greets the arrival of humpback whales

in Hawai‘i. Sightings of the colossal creatures begin in November and reach full crescendo by February.

Throughout the winter season, thousands of humpbacks are in Hawaiian waters to mate and give birth.

Their size and their acrobatic behavior makes them easy to spot. They hurl themselves into the air and

crash back down with thunderous splashes. Their long, distinctive flippers prompted scientists to

identify the humpback species as Megaptera novaeangliae, or “great wings of New England.”

 By summer, the huge marine visitors have disappeared from the Hawaiian horizon, travelling nearly

4,000 miles to the nutrient-rich arctic region of the North Pacific Ocean where they spend several

months foraging for food. The humpbacks live off their energy reserves during winter before returning

once again to renew their life cycle in Hawai‘i’s warm, tropical waters.

 This marvelous wonder is the focus of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine

Sanctuary, which Congress created in 1997 to protect the whales and ensure the health and safety of

critical humpback breeding habitat in Hawaiian waters. Although humpbacks were once plentiful in

oceans worldwide, the global population of Megaptera novaeangliae was depleted by the commercial

whaling industry at the start of the 20th century. In 1973, the United States government made it illegal

to hunt, harm, or even disturb humpback whales. Because of their perilous brush with near-extinction,

the animals were officially listed as endangered and remain so to this day. While many subsequent laws

and policies have been added to reduce human threats to humpbacks, the sanctuary is unique in its

mission of helping the public and government work together to ensure that an endangered species’

breeding habitat will become a lasting haven. Through a partnership between the Hawai‘i Department of

Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

the sanctuary uses education and research to convey the significance of the humpback whale to the

culture, economy and environment of Hawai‘i. The sanctuary’s guiding principle is the belief that from

knowledge and understanding comes a heightened appreciation for natural marine resources and a

commitment to collective stewardship.

 Putting this principle into practice in Hawai‘i requires that the sanctuary address unique

Humpback mothers care for their newborns in

sanctuary waters. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/

NMFS permit # 633

Concern for the future of endangered humpback

whales in Hawaii have prompted popular support

for protection of the species.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS permit # 633

3
circumstances. The waters surrounding Hawai‘i have an embracing presence. Their health impact

everything from climate to personal well-being among both residents and visitors. However, as the human

population grows and use of the ocean expands, so does the potential for increased threats to Hawaiian

waters and the animals that make it their home. Hawai‘i’s marine sanctuary seeks to strike a balance

and minimize conflicts between stakeholders. In order to find that balance, the sanctuary is interested in

gathering public comment to help develop policies and direct a course of action that serves the public

interest.

As the sanctuary celebrates its fifth anniversary, the sanctuary is proud to report that it is fulfilling its

mission of resource protection. Much of the credit for the sanctuary’s initial phase of growth belongs to

the Sanctuary Advisory Council, the sanctuary volunteer organization comprised of local appointed

community representatives, and the interagency and organizational partnerships. Their dynamic and

comprehensive assistance has enabled the sanctuary to establish a presence and expand its scope of

programs as mandated by the National Marine Sanctuary Program.

Sanctuary-funded research projects have greatly enhanced the scientific understanding of the biology

and behavior of humpback whales. Population and distribution studies—also conducted with sanctuary

support—show that Hawai‘i’s migratory population is increasing at an annual rate of 7 percent. Although

threats to humpback whales continue to exist, the sanctuary has taken a lead role in identifying these

threats. As sponsor of the 2000 Hawai‘i International Marine Debris Conference, the sanctuary supported

the development of innovative solutions to problems resulting from discarded and lost fishing gear, which

endanger whales and other marine creatures.

 The sanctuary is a leader in providing the public and policymakers with new and updated information

on humpback whales. The Sanctuary’s Education Center at its headquarters on Maui has developed

monthly lectures and teacher-student workshops; these events have garnered outstanding recognition

and attendance. The headquarters’ spectacular beachfront setting provides opportunities for shore-based

whalewatching that are complemented with signage and pamphlets providing cultural and scientific

interpretation of the humpback species and other natural resources found within a locale that truly ranks

as a “living classroom.” Sanctuary volunteers have contributed substantively to the on-site educational

activities. The comprehensive training program instills in volunteers an understanding of sanctuary goals

and has distinguished a network of individuals for their dedication to environmental stewardship.

 Through regular participation in ocean fairs and public events, the sanctuary has raised its public

profile, and, in only a few years, has become a recognized authority in the field of marine resource

The rich variety of marine life in Hawaiian

waters includes the false killer whale

(Psueudorca crassidens).

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com

4
management. Through sponsorship of two signature events, the Kaua‘i Family Ocean Fair and

the Sanctuary Ocean Count, the sanctuary invites widespread public participation. It has also fostered

appreciation for the most innovative frontiers of marine science by hosting the 2000 Sustainable Seas

Expeditions in Hawai‘i, which introduced local citizens and researchers to NOAA-supported pioneers of

underwater exploration.

 The sanctuary has taken remarkable steps to integrate support for Native Hawaiian uses of the

environment into its general educational program. Many aspects of traditional Hawaiian stewardship

are the focus of sanctuary educational activities. The sanctuary’s research on the ancient Hawaiian

perspective on whales is unique and has been summarized extensively in a sanctuary pamphlet that

ranks as the only published work devoted entirely to the kohola ̄, as the humpback whale is known in

the Hawaiian language.

 The sanctuary cooperates extensively with enforcement agencies in supporting regulations aimed at

protecting humpback whales. The effort has been expanded to include an annual workshop on laws

regulating interaction between humans and marine creatures in Hawaiian waters. Through partnerships

with enforcement authorities, the sanctuary has increased the likelihood of public compliance with

laws intended to reduce harm to humpback whales.

 While humpbacks are slowly recovering and their population in Hawaiian waters expanding, so too,

is interest in humpbacks on the rise. The sanctuary has provided guidance for the burgeoning

whalewatch industry. It also conducted a study to document the industry’s economic contribution to

Hawai‘i. The sanctuary has encouraged the business community to explore ways of capitalizing on the

presence of humpback whales while also using this enterprise as a springboard for public education

and information on humpback whales.

What the State of the Sanctuary Report Means to You

In this State of the Sanctuary Report, you will find an overview of activities, programs, and projects as

well as marine resources and management issues pertinent to the sanctuary’s development in the last

five years. The information is intended to help you assess how the sanctuary has served you and your

community. This report will also enable you to help chart the sanctuary’s future course of action. If after

reading this report, you would like to express your support or recommend any changes, you will have

Humpback’s huge wing span visible during

breaching. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/

NMFS permit # 822

5

New research shows humpbacks are not always

“gentle giants, as is often assumed. During

mating season, males compete aggressively

against each other. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com
the opportunity to do so shortly, when a revised sanctuary management plan is made available for

public review.

 Federal law requires all national marine sanctuaries to have a management plan that sets regulations

and guides program and policy development. It also requires regular public review of the management

plan so that the sanctuary can be dynamic and responsive to emerging trends and community interests.

Significant scientific discoveries and new issues often make it imperative to change the way we protect

marine resources and practice stewardship. By inviting public comment in our management plan review,

we ensure opportunities for your concerns and recommendations to be considered and possibly

incorporated into the revised management plan.

 Through the work of staff and the Sanctuary Advisory Council, a draft of a revised management plan

has been completed for your review in a series of public meetings that will be held in 2002. Your

participation is vital because it will enable the sanctuary to better address needs and activities of

Hawai‘i’s ocean-using community. This will ultimately benefit the conservation and enhancement of

Hawai‘i’s marine resources.

 Read through these pages and get to know the sanctuary’s past so that you can help chart the most

effective course for its future. The State of the Sanctuary Report is your primary assessment tool. Your

comments on what is working or what is not will be solicited at the public meetings. Sanctuary partners

DLNR and NOAA will consult on finalizing the revised management plan. Their joint approval is necessary

for the sanctuary to continue operating.

 The time and place of public meetings will be advertised in the local media and on the sanctuary web

page. Please contact your local sanctuary office if have any questions. Your interest in and support of the

meetings will help build a sanctuary that is not only a haven for humpbacks but also an asset to the

health of Hawai‘i’s future.

Note to reader: For the sake of clarity, this report uses specific wording to identify the sanctuary as a

vehicle for collective wildlife protection. The term “our sanctuary” or the pronoun “we” are used to

identify projects and activities involving sanctuary staff as well as Sanctuary Advisory Council

representatives, sanctuary volunteers, and participation by the ocean-using public.

Sunset over whale habitat. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/

Seapics.com

6
Purpose

National marine sanctuaries are special places that have been established for their natural and/or

cultural significance. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was designated

for the primary purpose of protecting humpback whales and their habitat within the Hawaiian Islands

marine environment.

Designation

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was created by Congress in November 4, 1992 through the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act (HINMSA). The final regulations were published in the Federal Register (62 FR 14799) on March 28, 1997. The regulations and

the final management plan took effect on June 2, 1997.

Regional Context

The Hawaiian Islands are the world’s most isolated island archipelago, born of ancient volcanoes and

inhabited by animals and plants derived from ancestors that found their way here over thousands of

miles of ocean. According to scientists, the shallow, warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian

Islands constitute one of the world’s most important habitats for the endangered humpback whale.

Nearly two-thirds of the entire North Pacific population of humpback whales migrate to Hawai‘i each

winter. Here, they breed, calve, and nurse—activities critical to the survival of their species.

The Sanctuary is also home to a fascinating collection of marine animals, corals and plants, some of

which are found nowhere else on Earth. Culturally, it adheres to the Native Hawaiian traditions of living

in harmony with the sea. Sanctuary waters invite activities such as diving, boating and snorkeling, and

support commercial uses such as fishing and shipping.

Hawaiian coastal waters, like those seen here on

Makapu’u off the coast of O’ahu, are famed for

their beauty and economic value.

Photographer: HIHW Staff

In the Hawaiian breeding ground, a pod often

consists of several males vying for the attention

of the same female. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/

Seapics.com/NMFS Permit # 633 7
Sanctuary Uses

People use Sanctuary resources in a variety of ways. Native Hawaiians have long had a close

relationships with their marine environment. Nowadays, the marine area included in the Sanctuary is

used extensively for ocean recreation, commercial fishing, cruise ships and commercial shipping.

The Sanctuary and Education

A Hawaiian elder shares an old Polynesian legend about a mythological whale. A visitor takes time out

from the beach to attend a lecture by a marine mammal scientist. A boat captain throttles down and

proceeds with caution into an area where mother humpbacks are known to nurse their newborns.

These are snapshots of the education we provide as a sanctuary. As part of an overall effort to

generate responsible stewardship and ocean literacy, the sanctuary provides the necessary natural,

cultural, and historic information on humpback whales. Through our education programs, we help convey

information and expand knowledge on the endangered whale species. We believe that knowledge leads to

care of the environment, which translates into positive action and decision-making.

Our sanctuary is a rich marine environment, a stimulating and easily accessible place for experiential

lessons in natural resources. This natural classroom complements many Hawai‘i institutions that enjoy

worldwide recognition in ocean education. Additionally, employment and enterprise in ocean-related fields

is growing, creating opportunities in such diverse fields as aquaculture, geophysics, and ocean recreation.

The sanctuary has capitalized on its role as a public agency to encourage the community to care for and

appreciate the humpback species.

Since its designation in 1992, the sanctuary and representatives of the Sanctuary Advisory Council

have worked together, creating products and activities that serve three educational strategies:

1. Increase understanding of the humpback whale species. With Hawai‘i at the forefront of humpback

research, the sanctuary strives to share new and accurate information with the public. Several

fundamental questions about behavior of humpbacks are now being addressed. As more scientific

information becomes available, the sanctuary is prepared to revamp its public education programs to

include the new information and perspectives.

2. Increase awareness of the National Marine Sanctuary Program. This strategy is aimed at helping the

Humpback whale hat-making has become has

become a favorite craft activity for youngsters at

sanctuary outreach events. Photographer: Kellie Cheung

Humpback whale breaching.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS permit # 633

8
public understand the importance of a sanctuary and how certain policies support the agency. An

important aspect of this strategy is establishing the connection between sanctuary programs and

desirable conservation outcomes.

3. Expand understanding of the relationship between humpback whales and ongoing human

activities in the humpback’s habitat. In order to define appropriate human behavior towards humpback

whales, people need to understand how their actions impact this habitat. In order to do this, the

sanctuary works to provide information from traditional native Hawaiian conservation methods to

emerging theories on the effects of activities such as underwater sonar experiments.

Maui Education Center

The shorefront headquarters of the Maui sanctuary serves a scenic magnet for visitors from around the

world. The attractive setting is enhanced by signage, a garden of native Hawaiian plants, and a viewing

deck and view scopes that facilitate shoreline observation of humpbacks during the winter season.

These efforts are a cost-effective way of reaching residents and visitors and drawing attention

to the astounding beauty of the coastal resources. Training has enabled sanctuary volunteers

and on-site staff to provide scientific explanations of humpback whale behavior quashing the notion

that humpbacks are “playful gentle giants.” Now they explain the humpback’s mammalian

traits and breeding habits, which appear to be the real explanation of the animal’s mesmerizing

acrobatic displays.

Staff and volunteers worked together to design and develop the Sanctuary’s Education Center

which opened to the public in 1998 on the grounds of the sanctuary headquarters. The center features

displays, videos, brochures, and books on the humpback whale, methods of modern resource

management and Hawaiian stewardship, and latest humpback research. A free public lecture series is

held monthly to present cultural and scientific perspectives on the humpback whales and marine

research. Nearly 50 volunteers have undergone training; They manage the center and serve as informal

docents. School groups are encouraged to take field trips to the headquarters. Sanctuary staff has

developed an on-site interpretive curriculum with information on whales, stewardship, and native

Hawaiian cultural resources including a historic beachfront aquaculture pond on the sanctuary

grounds. In fiscal year 2001, more than 5,400 people visited the sanctuary headquarters, with the

peak in visitor numbers occurring during the winter “whale season.”

Humpback whales can be seen close to shore in

Hawai‘i during winter. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/

Seapics.com/NMFS Permit # 633

Sanctuary’s Maui office is housed in a

picturesque three-story building, once used as a

government weather station during WWII.

9
Providing Marine Education

The sanctuary has not been able to implement comprehensive curricula on humpback whales due to

staffing limitations that have hampered statewide activities. However, staff and supporters have created

brochures, pamphlets, and other original materials, which they have provided to teachers. At the

suggestion of Sanctuary Advisory Council members, who made contact with the State Department of

Education and the University of Hawai‘i School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST),

one of many Hawai‘i institutions that fosters student interest in professional ocean research and

development. Recent education projects include:

• Sanctuary partnerships with the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s interactive science television

series, Kidscience, providing information on humpback whales and appearing on several programs.

• Positions for sanctuary interns who receive college credit and student stipends under the University

of Hawai‘i’s Marine Options Program.

• Sanctuary sponsorship of a “Careers on the Water Day” with Farrington High School. The sanctuary

coordinated the participation of marine science experts who advised students on professional

opportunities in ocean research, education, and commercial and technical development.

Supporting Major Marine Education Drives

In 2000, the sanctuary coordinated the Hawai‘i visit of the Sustainable Seas Expedition (SSE),

developed by SSE leader and marine scholar Dr. Sylvia Earle, NOAA, and the National Geographic

Society. The five-year project on advanced undersea technology explores marine environments and is

aimed at increasing public appreciation of marine sanctuaries. SSE generated a great deal of local

interest in the underwater frontier by deploying cutting-edge one-person submersibles and documenting

daily discoveries at ocean depths rarely visited by human observers. During her Hawai‘i visit, Dr. Earle

recorded the presence of at least one Haliphron atlanticus, a pelagic octopod, so rare that it has only

been seen once before by a human. The sanctuary staff, volunteers, and council members collaborated

to maximize opportunities for local students and scientists to participate in activities of the Hawai‘i SSE

visit, including the gathering and analysis of data on marine ecosystems.

At the Sanctuary Education Center, teachers

discover new curriculum tools for teaching

lessons on humpback whales. Photographer: HIHW Staff

In a move known as “fluking”, the humpback

raises its tail and dives head-first underwater for

intervals that last around 30 minutes.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS Permit # 822

10
In 2000, the sanctuary also hosted the International Marine Debris Conference in Honolulu, which

increased public awareness of the mounting problems associated with lost and abandoned plastic

fishing gear in the ocean. Nearly 300 marine resource managers, educators, and policymakers

attended the conference where they learned about the potentially deadly effects of marine debris on

marine mammals and other sea creatures. Non-biodegradable materials can cause strangulation if

ingested or fatal entanglement when encountered by an animal. The conference included workshops

on legal issues, source identification, impacts, and industry considerations. The sanctuary staff and

council also coordinated the participation of 70 students from island nations throughout the Pacific,

where the normally pristine marine environment has been heavily impacted under increasing assault of

plastic debris.

Public Events

The growing interest in and enjoyment of marine resources by the general public is providing a basis

for ocean-themed events, including fairs and festivals. Staff and volunteers have been extremely

creative in their efforts to design craft and outreach activities to appeal to diverse audiences. In 1999,

a banner year for sanctuary educational activities for the public, staff participated in 58 events that

were attended by approximately 213,000 people. In response to the growing interest, the sanctuary

has built several permanent displays including a permanent tabletop exhibit of a National Marine

Sanctuary Program map. The sanctuary also installed an exhibit on humpback whale biology at the

Kaua‘i Children’s Museum.

 The sanctuary organized the Kaua‘i Family Ocean Fair, which is co-sponsorsed by the Ki ̄lauea

Point National Wildlife Refuge. Last year, the fair attracted more than 3,500 attendees. The

Sanctuary Ocean Count, another sanctuary event, last year enlisted the help of more than 1,000

volunteers to conduct the annual census of humpback whales from shoreline locations statewide.

Both the Family Ocean Fair and the Ocean Count have received significant coverage in the local and

national news media, commending the sanctuary for increasing public participation in ocean

education activities annually.

Future Efforts

Our revised management plan, calls for developing a more structured framework for interpreting the

Education in Sanctuary

Waters

Sanctuary Advisory Council member Patty

Miller, who is also a seasoned science teacher,

has plenty of stories about the spontaneous

combustion of learning that youngsters

experience by visiting the sanctuary sites.

“They’re getting a lesson that’s hands-on and it

really appeals to children in Hawai‘i because

most often they already have a love of the

ocean. They spend time with their families

fishing and swimming at the beach. It’s not

such a jump to develop interest in marine

science. They feel a sense of ownership when it

comes to anything ocean-related.”

 Miller has also been leading the charge in

an effort to help the sanctuary expand

curriculum on humpbacks and the Hawaiian

aquatic environment. “Compared to other

physical sciences such as chemistry and

biology, marine science is relatively

underdeveloped. A sanctuary may not have

the necessary resources to take the lead in

curriculum development, but we can provide

specific tools and encourage educators to use

sanctuary sites as a living classroom.”

 Sanctuary staff members hail the move to

promote environmental learning through

11
significance of the humpback whale and its habitat. Performance indicators will help us systematically

assess the success of initiatives already in place and prioritize our diverse educational and outreach

activities. With a diverse plan in place, we will be better able to coordinate among our sanctuary offices

and with partnering organizations and agencies. We plan to conduct market research to gauge awareness

of the sanctuary and its resource protection programs. This will provide a basic assessment of

information gaps and help us focus efforts. We also plan to evaluate the education programs of other

sanctuaries to determine whether certain components would be appropriate for Hawai‘i.

The Sanctuary and Research

In 1985, the plight of “Humphrey the humpback” drew national attention. The hapless whale had entered

San Francisco Bay and then managed to swim fifty miles upstream inside the Sacramento River,

languishing there for three weeks—much to the dismay of local residents. Efforts to drive Humphrey back

down the river failed. Then researchers from the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory in Hawai‘i

hatched a rescue plan. They had discovered during earlier studies that a trumpetlike sound recorded

from whales in the course of feeding activity in Alaska was highly attractive to many whales in Hawai‘i.

The huge animals responded to the sound by swimming quickly in its direction. Why not broadcast a

recording of the charismatic whale-call to draw Humphrey back towards the ocean?

The plan worked, saved Humphrey’s life, and, in the process, demonstrated that research can be

applied in the service of whale conservation.

The lesson learned from the Humphrey incident is the same one that underlines the sanctuary’s

interest in research. The more we know about humpbacks, the better equipped we are to aid them in

their struggle for survival. Until recently, most information on the species came from biologists who

had examined the carcasses of humpbacks killed by whalers. Features of the whale’s anatomy could

be learned from this, but little more. In contrast, the study of living humpbacks, sheds light on

what humpbacks need, where they go and what they do. By understanding the animal’s normal behavior,

changes are easier to detect and examine for possible evidence of new threats affecting the

species’ recovery.

While research on living whales is often costly and involves many logistical and legal challenges

(proper government permits are required for close approach to endangered humpbacks), the sanctuary

is a strategic locale for obtaining important information on humpbacks. It is, in fact, a veritable

Spectators watch from the shore as nets were

cast for the fishing demonstration. Behind the

audience stands the Maui Sanctuary office, a

volunteer-renovated building that was once home

to the National Weather Service.

Photographer: Jeff Alexander

environmental experience for people of all

ages. At the Maui site, they get direct

feedback from the steady stream of visitors

who come for the scenery, including the good

vantage point on whales, but frequently leave

with a lot more, including the resolve to return

for a lecture by a whale researcher or a beach

cleanup. This all fits in with the plan for a

marine sanctuary to deliver meaningful takehome lessons in helping citizens discover

their personal connection to valuable ocean

resources.

12
laboratory in the wild. With volcanic origins and clear access to a deep ocean floor in predominantly

calm conditions, sanctuary waters inspire an array of whale studies. Hawai‘i boasts several leading

marine institutions that have long served as a magnet for students and the world’s top cetacean

scientists. The sanctuary has tapped the local expertise on humpbacks by soliciting proposals for

research projects. In all, the sanctuary has contributed funding to 24 research projects, associated

with the following themes, methodologies and results:

Population Research: “How many humpbacks are there?” The answer to this question is a reliable

indicator of whether the species is making a comeback. Researchers in Hawai’i conducted their first

count of humpbacks from above in 1976 using three aircraft that flew over waters surrounding the

main Hawaiian Islands. These first aerial surveys noted the number of whales sighted and described

the distribution of whales throughout the islands. The findings also ended a long period of skepticism

where the actual existence of humpbacks in Hawai`i had become a matter of debate. At the time, so

few humpbacks existed that sightings of the animals had become very rare.

More recently, mathematicians helped develop a statistical method for counting whales. The

technique, known as “distance-sampling”, involves flying over the humpback habitat in an aircraft

along a precise route and counting whales at regular intervals. After conducting distance-sampling

surveys in Hawaiian waters over the period of the past ten years with partial funding from the

sanctuary, Dr. Joe Mobley has concluded that the humpback whale population of the region is

increasing at an annual rate of 7 percent each year.

Migration Studies: Humpbacks are intrepid navigators, managing to hone in on a destination after

swimming great distances in the trackless sea. Scientists have hypothesized that they are able to use

cues from the environment including the earth’s magnetic field to chart their underwater journeys.

Humpbacks migrate seasonally, travelling approximately six thousand miles between Hawaiian winter

breeding grounds and Alaskan summer feeding grounds. The route they take is largely unknown but

has been studied recently using satellite tags. These studies, partially supported by the sanctuary, have

revealed that whales tagged in Kaua‘i appear to take a more-or-less straight line back to the coast of

Alaska. From there, they may then return to favored feeding grounds to the east or west.

Whale Behavior Studies: Thanks to their size and acrobatics, humpbacks are popularly depicted as

The black and white pattern of the humpback’s

fluke is as unique to each individual as a

fingerprint. Researchers track humpbacks by

photographing and cataloguing “fluke ID’s”.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/

NMFS Permit # 822

13

The humpback calf weighs several tons at birth

and grows very quickly by feeding on about 50

gallons a day of mother’s milk.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS Permit # 822
“gentle giants.” Scientists could not discount this perception, without studying how individual whales

behave or interact with one another. Observations made by researchers working close to the whales

from small boats began to describe the existence of aggressive encounters, where individuals actually

injured one another. Drs. Lou Herman and Scott Baker documented particularly boisterous conduct of

males in the Hawaiian breeding habitat, noting that the animals move rapidly in groups and compete

for proximity to a lone female in the group. Thus, the conventional notion of humpback docility did not

withstand the test of science.

Research into humpback whale behavior took a big step forward with the discovery that individual

humpbacks sport black and white patterns on the underside of their tail flukes that are as unique as

human fingerprints. Researchers began to photograph humpback flukes in Hawai‘i as early as 1975-76.

The continuation of this photographic effort, partially supported in recent years by the sanctuary, has

allowed researchers to document humpback whale life histories, including the social roles and

migration routes adopted by individual animals. Researchers in Hawaiian waters and throughout the

North Pacific constructed their own catalog of “identified whales,” submitting their photographs to a

database maintained by the National Marine Mammal Laboratory in Seattle.

Humpback Whale Song Research: Researchers discovered something incredible when they dropped

hydrophones in the water. They found that humpbacks make this world a noisy place. Sound travels

well in water and humpbacks use this fact to their advantage in many ways. In breeding grounds, male

humpbacks sing long mournful notes. Dr. Roger Payne was the first to describe these sounds as “song”.

The ability to sing what is one of the most complicated note patterns in the animal kingdom has won

humpbacks a lot of notoriety.

In Hawai‘i, Dr. Jim Darling in the early 1990’s began to investigate the question of why humpbacks

are such avid composers. Darling became one of the first to discount an earlier theory that males were

crooning “lovesongs” to woo females. Instead, he hypothesized that a male uses the song to keep other

males at a distance while staking out a potential mate—making the song an aural version of chestbeating. Darling continues to test his hypothesis in Hawaiian waters in studies that receive funding and

coordination from the sanctuary.

More on Humpback Social Life: Successful reproduction is key to the humpback’s continued vitality.

In order to support the humpback recovery, we need to understand humpback mating habits and the

key features that make Hawaiian waters a suitable breeding habitat for the species. It is not easy

Humpbacks are famous for breaching. Their

huge bodies become nearly airborne as they

launch themselves out of the water. Photographer:

©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS Permit # 822

During competition for mating, male humpbacks

lunge at one another with raised heads.

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS Permit # 633

14
to obtain this information. Humpback gender characteristics are barely discernible to the

human eye, making it difficult to tell if a specific behavior is gender-based or related to reproductive

status. The animals are also discreet in their mating activity. In fact, the behavior has never been

directly documented.

Scientists are, however, beginning to gather some important clues. Recent studies conducted with

an innovative technology seem to suggest that size plays a role in humpback whale reproduction. Drs.

Lou Herman, Adam Pack and Scott Spitz at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory in Honolulu

developed a special camera-based technology known as underwater videogrammetry that enables an

animal’s size to be measured. With partial funding from the sanctuary, these researchers found that, for

males, size makes a difference: The largest males tend to maintain the position of principal escort in a

competitive group. The research is continuing to investigate the role of size in female reproductive

success, and how size, on average, varies as a function of social role.

Sanctuary Connects Researchers and Public

The sanctuary takes responsibility for disseminating research and encourages scientists to engage in a

meaningful exchange of ideas on new research findings. Researchers who receive sanctuary funding

are required to describe their findings in a manuscript suitable for publication in a technical or peer

review journal. Additionally, the sanctuary has coordinated humpback whale researcher meetings on

Maui. In collaboration with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service in 1995, the sanctuary

sponsored the unprecedented gathering of humpback whale experts, known as: Workshop to Assess

Research and Other Needs and Opportunities Related to Humpback Whale Management in the

Hawaiian Islands. More recently, the sanctuary partnered with NMFS to present the 1999 Marine

Mammal Workshop focused primarily on endangered marine species.

The sanctuary has also made it a priority to acquaint the public with humpback whale scientists

and their research. Prominent whale researchers are periodically featured in the monthly Sanctuary

Lecture Series on Maui. Staff frequently coordinates local and national publicity for the

accomplishments of whale researchers by issuing news releases, facilitating media coverage and

creating articles for newsletters and the sanctuary website.

Research Issues Exceed Whales-Only Focus

Research and Technology

Blend in Sanctuary Waters

Research into the behavior of humpback

whales brings with it a special set of trials by

water. “It is challenging in that you have a wild

animal that you can’t get up close to, you can’t

put in the laboratory,” says marine mammal

scientist Paul Nachtigall, who chairs the

Research Subcommittee of the Sanctuary

Advisory Council. “The question becomes, how

do you test your hypothesis about the animal?

Many scientists have come up with a lot of

very creative methods in the process of their

investigations.”

 Humpback research involves many

components of skill, time, and technical

expertise that often incur cost. Although,

Nachtigall points out, simple ingenuity can

sometimes help overcome obstacles.

For instance, he recalls, back in the early

days of humpback research, scientists began

to address the boggling question: “Do these

animals really sing?” Initially, there was

skepticism about whether or not the eerie

vocalization (now known popularly as

whalesong) even existed. Nachtigall credits

the invention of an innovative but easy

15
The sanctuary encourages several streams of marine research. Because the ocean is characterized by

diverse ecosystems, comprised of interdependent organisms and processes, research activities address

the marine environment from a holistic perspective. Similarly, research on humpback whales has the

potential for multiple applications in the field of marine resource management. Therefore, the sanctuary

has found it effective to form partnerships with various branches of NOAA as well as other government

and private organizations that utilize research.

The Sanctuary Advisory Council has frequently focused on how to best apply research in order to

support humpback whale recovery. Recently examined was the issue of collisions between vessels and

humpbacks. The statistical likelihood of so-called “whale strikes” is on the rise as both the whale

population and boat traffic in Hawaiian waters increase. Given the loss of life and other risks associated

with whale-strikes, the Sanctuary Advisory Council Research Subcommittee formulated a list of possible

solutions to address the whale strike problem. Subsequently, the sanctuary’s concern over whale-strikes

has been parlayed into a plan by NOAA to convene a national whale-strike conference.

Future Efforts

The sanctuary staff and the Sanctuary Advisory Council are taking steps to formulate a comprehensive

research program. Gaps in the scientific understanding of humpbacks need to be addressed with the

goal of improving conservation of humpback whales. While commercial hunting of whales has been

banned for nearly half a century, threats to whales remain. Vessel collisions, entanglement with fishing

gear and noise pollution have the potential to negatively impact the growth of the endangered

humpback population. With the help of research, the sanctuary seeks to clearly define these threats

and interpret findings for use by natural resource managers and our community’s decision-makers.

The Sanctuary and Native Hawaiian Culture

The ethic of marine stewardship, which is deeply embedded in Native Hawaiian heritage, holds great

relevance for a modern marine sanctuary. Early Hawaiians developed techniques to manage their ocean

resources without depleting them. Kupuna, Hawaiian elders, will tell you about a way of life inseparable Humpbacks create a mesmerizing effect

by repeatedly slapping the water’s

surface with their giant tails. Photographer:

©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com

technique for delivering answers: “(Researchers)

dropped hydrophones into the water—simple

underwater microphones.” Among other things,

they verified that humpback whales sang

loudest at midnight.

The invention and use of hydrophones to

study whalesong was not a complex experiment,

observes Nachtigall, but it marked a stroke of

creative pragmatism that produced results.

Nachtigall says this is where the sanctuary

comes into the picture: “The sanctuary is not in

a position to fund a lot of major projects, but it

is, nonetheless, a great source of opportunity. It

awards grants to researchers enabling them to

put their theories to the test.”

16
from the surrounding waters. They are the beneficiaries of traditions that were handed down from

generation to generation and survive even today. Many ocean-related traditions, however, were lost with

the demise of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and some have disappeared with the incursion of western

culture. At the same time, contemporary Hawaiians have made a conscious effort to revive customary

elements of ocean stewardship, successfully reconstructing practices in aquaculture, subsistence

fishing, canoe-making, and navigation.

The staff of the sanctuary and its supporters in the community—share a commitment to bolstering

Native Hawaiian traditions of the sanctuary. We recognize that the stewardship of a culture that

depended entirely on the natural environment is compatible with the sanctuary’s primary goal of

resource protection. Beside ensuring that that tradition continues to be practiced within the sanctuary,

we are committed to educating the public—Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians—alike about the value that

Native Hawaiian heritage holds for the future of the sanctuary.

The Sanctuary and Indigenous Stewardship

Beginning with designation as a sanctuary, we have laid the foundation for culturally sensitive resource

management by implementing a NOAA guideline to refrain from limiting subsistence fishing—a primary

economic and recreational activity for many Hawaiian citizens. On the advice of Native Hawaiian

consultants, including a Sanctuary Advisory Council representative for Hawaiian cultural interests, our

sanctuary management plan highlighted elements of Native Hawaiian stewardship. They included: 1)

success in fishpond aquaculture with the construction of an elaborate system known as lokoi‘ a; 2)

invention of the ahupua‘a—a system of social and political order based on watershed divisions or

mountain-to-shore management of land; and 3) spiritual or religious reverence for several sea

creatures as ancestral guardians known as ‘aumakua. In order to support better understanding of

these customs and ensure that the Native Hawaiian perspective will be included in our operations, a

staff position for a full-time Native Hawaiian Cultural Educator was added.

Cultural Education

A Native Hawaiian intern was hired in 1997 under the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Hawaiian

Internship Program, in conjunction with Sea Grant. The intern conducted research in order to clearly

Lahaina Harbor is one of Hawai‘i’s several busy

intersections for vessel trafic and marine

creatures. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com

Fringing the sanctuary shores is Ko`ie`ie Loko

`a, an ancient aquaculture pond, constructed by

Native Hawaiians long before the arrival of

Europeans. Photographer: HIHW Staff 17
articulate the Native Hawaiian cultural interpretation of humpback whales and whales in general

identified in the Hawaiian language as kohol ̄a. One of the achievements of this effort is the pamphlet

The Cultural Importance of Whales in Hawai‘i.

Culturally focused education continues to introduce the Hawaiian perspective on marine resources

into the general stream of education supported by the sanctuary. Cultural interpretation is provided to

visiting student and teacher groups. This involves utilizing the natural assets of the outdoor site,

including the historic aquaculture pond at sanctuary headquarters in Maui. Research suggests the pond

was constructed in the 16th century and may have been used to cultivate moi (Pacific threadfin), a

highly prized fish. The sanctuary staff has been meeting with a community group that plans to restore

the pond to its original glory.

The Sanctuary and Inter-Agency Cooperation

How can government equitably manage the ocean? Managing this vast and trackless expanse, so widely

regarded in American society as both a field of opportunity and a frontier of freedom, is much more

complex than land management. History has shown us that, in order to be effective, ocean governance

must address the dynamic and interrelated nature of marine ecosystems. In a hallmark of innovation,

NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act have mandated that agencies implement a cooperative

and collaborative management strategy.

In an effort to fulfill this mandate, the sanctuary has sought to strengthen its working relationships

with other government agencies and organizations involved in protecting humpback whales and

natural resources in Hawai‘i’s humpback habitat. This approach is aimed at increasing flexibility,

mobilizing staff resources, avoiding duplication, and broadening opportunities for citizen participation in

ocean stewardship.

Partnership for Protection

The sanctuary covers approximately 1,420 square miles of federal and state territory within the main

Hawaiian Islands. To ensure fair management of this multi-jurisdictional area, NOAA and the State of

Sanctuary incorporates traditional Hawaiian

protocol by including an Hawaiian blessing at

the opening of outreach events. Photographer: HIHW

Staff

Sanctuary has a ringside seat on humpback

habitat. Photographer: HIHW Staff

18
Hawai‘i signed an Intergovernmental Compact Agreement in 1997. This enables the Hawai‘i sanctuary

to operate as a partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Community Resources

Since its establishment in 1996, the Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) has contributed significantly to

sanctuary policies and programs that embody a collaborative management approach. The SAC

consists of representatives appointed by state and federal government agencies, individual islands

(synonymous with counties) and other groups including Native Hawaiian, business, tourism, ocean

recreation, education, and research. The SAC meets routinely for the purpose of advising sanctuary

managers on how the sanctuary can continue to best serve and engage stakeholders while fulfilling

the primary mission of natural resource protection. SAC members make recommendations to

managers while also interpreting the goals of the sanctuary to their respective constituencies. While

SAC members represent diverse stakeholders and varied opinions, they have also collectively built

widespread consensus in support of community-based marine stewardship—the foundation of the

sanctuary program. Although the SAC’s input is advisory, it serves as a virtual barometer of public

support for sanctuary policies and is considered by sanctuary managers in the decision-making

process. Examples of the SAC’s contributions to cooperative and collaborative management strategy

include:

• SAC established subcommittees to improve formulation of technical advice on resources

 related to education, research, and conservation.

• SAC reviewed and advised sanctuary managers on the development of the Sanctuary

 Management Plan.

• SAC members helped to organize and participated in some of the major sanctuarysponsored events: the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count, the 2000 International Marine

Debris Conference in Honolulu, the 2000 Sustainable Seas Expedition, and Sanctuary

dedication celebrations on Maui and O‘ahu in 1998.

Cooperative Management

Kilauea Point is the setting for the Sanctuary’s

Kaua‘i Family Ocean Fair. Photographer: HIHW Staff

In an example of interagency cooperation,

Sanctuary Hawaiian Cultural Educator Joylynn

Oliveira boards a U.S. Coast Guard cutter to

deliver a humpback lecture to students during

Education on the Water Day. Photographer: HIHW Staff

19
Our cooperative management strategy has been particularly effective in instances where we have

capitalized on the sanctuary’s strengths in education and outreach to fill an important niche. While many

agencies share our mission of protecting humpback whales, the sanctuary is unique in its vigorous

efforts to communicate the public interests at stake in Hawai‘i humpback habitat. We initially worked to

identify state, federal, and county agencies with similar missions in order to involve them and to provide

them with information on national marine sanctuaries. Since then, we have used public events and

public information tools to highlight their operations and emphasize the relationships and cohesiveness

of marine protection agencies working to ensure health and safety within sanctuary waters. Examples of

these efforts include the following:

• Staff and SAC members collaborated with the U.S. Coast Guard to organize a “2001 Education on

 the Water Day” for 100 students and their teachers aboard the USCG Cutter Kukui.

• Staff supported the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of

Health to implement water quality assessment monitoring.

• Each year, the staff partners with NMFS and NOAA Fisheries Enforcement to conduct a statewide

 series of Ocean User workshops statewide and to produce and publish an Ocean User’s Handbook

 aimed at raising awareness of marine mammal approach regulations that apply in waters

 surrounding Hawai‘i.

Future Efforts

Our revised management plan contains several strategies aimed at increasing our cooperative and

collaborative management of sanctuary resources. For example, we need to provide the SAC with a more

structured role. In the past, it has been a logistical challenge to convene SAC members who reside on

five separate islands. Website technology will be used to facilitate communication of SAC members. A

long-term operating plan for the SAC will be developed, and SAC subcommittees will focus on tasks

more specific to their fields of technical expertise as they relate to humpback whale protection.

Several as yet unexplored arenas for increased cooperation potentially beneficial to resource

protection remain. Looking ahead, it is clear that our mandate for cooperative management can lead us

to explore many as yet unchartered waters of innovative humpback whale protection.

Thousands of volunteers participate in a

population survey of humpback whales during

the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count.

Photographer: HIHW Staff

A natural meeting of two environmental

agencies: Pictured here, sanctuary waters meet

the shores of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife

Refuge. Photographer: HIHW Staff

20
The Sanctuary and Human Uses

An ocean sports mecca....A seafood capital....A surfer’s paradise....These commonly used nicknames

for Hawai‘i hint at the many benefits of living in the midst of a beautiful and healthy ocean. The

sanctuary assumes a role in balancing multiple uses of the ocean and protection of humpback whales

and their habitat. We work at encouraging citizens to enjoy the resources of the sanctuary without

depleting them. Thus, while we strive to highlight the presence of the humpback whales and the needs

of the majestic giants in their Hawaiian breeding habitat, we simultaneously stress that the sanctuary

provides a wealth of opportunities for commerce, recreation, and traditional Native Hawaiian cultural

practices.

The job of fostering social and economic benefits related to marine resources is an inherently

challenging one in Hawai‘i. The same coastal waters that cradle humpback breeding activity are also

subject to heavy use by people in Hawai‘i. Ocean-related industries involving activities in recreation,

tourism, maritime, ocean science and technology, commercial fishing, aquaculture and seafood

marketing are estimated to be worth $3.8 billion in annual revenues. Many activities of tourism, which

is Hawai‘i’s number one economic engine, are based in ocean resources and would not be sustainable

without quality water and aesthetic beauty of clean and open coasts. Ocean transportation is also vital

to the State’s economy. Approximately 750 miles of Hawaiian Island coastline are served by 10

commercial ports and 21 small boat harbors. Hawai‘i residents place a high value on everyday access

to the ocean for many purposes, including recreation. In 2000, for example, an estimated 17.3 million

people flocked to major O‘ahu beaches. All in all, Hawai‘i’s surrounding waters make a priceless

contribution by regulating advantageous features of climate, atmosphere and biodiversity in this

remote archipelago—more than two-thousand miles from the nearest land mass.

Balancing Conservation and Commerce

The sanctuary implements a management approach that emphasizes sustainable use that will enable

future generations to be benefit from a vital ocean that includes humpback whales. If human activities

Schoolchildren learn about ocean careers during

Education Day on the Water, jointly sponsored

by the sanctuary and the U.S. Guard.

Photographer: Kellie Cheung

Dusk falls over humpback habitat waters off the

north shore of Kaua‘i. Photographer: HIHW Staff

21
appear to hurt our resources, we recommend or support measures to prevent harmful impacts. We also

educate the public in the philosophy of sustainable use, with the goal of instilling collective responsibility

for ensuring that the wealth of Hawai‘i’s ocean will endure.

The whalewatch industry may qualify as sustainable use that has succeeded in capitalizing on the

marine environment while producing positive economic and social benefits for the community. An increase

in the humpback whale population over the last two decades has provided the basis for the commercial

whalewatch industry. The sanctuary regards the whalewatch industry in a positive light, not only because it

generates economic opportunity, but also because it has the potential to contribute to conservation goals.

People who observe the colossal humpbacks in the wild will better understand the vulnerability of the

endangered species and may be more receptive to messages on wildlife protection.

At the same time, the sanctuary needs to work with whalewatch tour operators to ensure that they

conduct activities within the law and do not harm either whales or their habitat. We recognize that

commercial success has led to an expansion of the whalewatch industry, leading to more boat traffic and

raising the issue of whether we have moved from hunting humpback whales into simply “loving

humpbacks to death.”

Information seems to indicate that the increase in the humpback population has proven a significant

economic boon to Hawai‘i due to the corresponding growth in the whalewatch industry. Key findings in a

sanctuary-commissioned research project indicate:

• During 1999, the direct commercial impact of whalewatching was $11 million. For the same

year, the total economic impact of whalewatching in Hawai‘i was $19-27 million. These figures

include revenues from related business activity.

• A survey of a visitor group showed 10 percent of the group based its decision to come to

Hawai‘i partly on the presence of humpback whales. The study suggests that a full accounting of

the impact of humpback whales should include the expenditures of such visitors.

• The tour boat industry is one of the fastest growing segments of Hawai‘i’s economy and supported

 3,200 jobs in 1999.

Sanctuary Volunteer Program

An major social benefit of the sanctuary involves our successful creation of the Sanctuary Volunteer

A humpback calf stays by its mother’s side for

about a year before it matures enough to swim

on its own. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com

22
Program, based at the headquarters in Ki ̄hei, Maui. The opportunity to help in the job of protecting

humpback whales has drawn diverse members of the community who gather at the sanctuary. The

sanctuary has a volunteer coordinator who recruits and trains volunteers, apprising them of NOAA

policies and sanctuary goals. Last year, approximately 700 volunteers contributed a total of 4,500

hours of pro bono services to the sanctuary. A core group of approximately 75 volunteers maintains

regular weekly hours at the sanctuary, assisting with everything from office chores to the design of

educational displays. In anecdotal reports, volunteers credit the sanctuary for enriching their

knowledge of and interaction with the ocean. Volunteerism at the sanctuary is a win-win situation and

provides a desirable social impact of the sanctuary program. Notable examples of volunteer

accomplishments include the following:

• Volunteers assisted in the planning and renovation of a Maui headquarters storage building,

 which they helped transform into the Sanctuary Education Center.

• Volunteers staff have helped to operate the Sanctuary Education Center; activities have included

 providing informal tours, disseminating of information, and organizing a book and video

 collection on humpback whales.

• Volunteers contributed to the Maui headquarters with environmental and aesthetic design,

including the creation of mural art and the planting and cultivation of a garden of native plants.

• Volunteers provide staffing and assist sanctuary staff at public education events.

• Volunteers have planned and implemented educational activities for sanctuary events.

Future Efforts

We believe there is a need to expand existing initiatives to make the sanctuary a more valuable asset to

coastal residents and to underscore our mandate to protect humpback whales while allowing multiple uses.

For instance, in light of the growth of the whalewatch industry and a general increase in boat traffic in

Hawaiian waters, we intend to implement a comprehensive boater outreach program targeted for vessel

operators. We also plan to expand our Maui program by further collaborating with other nonprofit

organizations whose mission is similar to that of the sanctuary. We also are looking at ways to build

volunteer programs on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i’s most populated island. The common thread in all these plans is the

Humpback spouts in view of whalewatching

boat. Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS permit # 822

At the Kaua‘i Farm Bureau Fair, a sanctuary

volunteer uses a craft activity to introduce a

youngster to Hawai‘i’s environment.

Photographer: HIHW Staff

23
effort to encourage involvement in sanctuary programs, and to make our operations truly responsive to

community needs.

The Sanctuary and Enforcement

The sanctuary staff does not directly conduct enforcement activities. However, we do provide support to

agencies with that responsibility. Several agencies have the authority to regulate human interactions with

whales and their habitat including NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA’s Office of Law

Enforcement, the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the United States Coast

Guard.

One of our main enforcement strategies involves encouraging the public’s voluntary compliance with

various regulations. Meanwhile, modern marine management clearly demonstrates that the public is

more likely to take responsibility for a resource when its value is clearly understood. Therefore, the

sanctuary strives to encourage willingness to comply with the regulation by educating the public about

the vulnerability of whales, about the need for their protection, and about specific laws that are intended

to keep the animals safe from harm.

State and federal regulations prohibit the “taking of whales,” a term that encompasses activities that

potentially disturb the animals’ natural behavior. This means that it is illegal to kill, hunt, capture, restrain,

collect or pursue any humpback whale unless authorized by special government permit. Within Hawaiian

waters, the “taking of whales” also means a prohibition on intentionally getting closer than 100 yards to

a humpback whale. Authorized by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the so-called “approach law” is

intended to create a protective barrier around humpbacks in their winter breeding grounds.

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement and the State of Hawai‘i Division of Conservation and Resources

Enforcement (DOCARE) have primary authority to enforce laws against the taking of whales. The

sanctuary assists their efforts in many ways. For the last five years, the sanctuary has provided funding

for a NOAA enforcement officer, based at sanctuary headquarters for the duration of whale season. The

officer investigates complaints of possible instances of whale harassment.

The Status of Hawai‘i’s Humpback Whales

Vessels and humpbacks often come in close

contact in Hawaiian waters. Photographer: Sue Canja

Thousands of volunteers participate in a

population survey of humpback whales during

the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count.

Photographer: HIHW Staff

24
Are humpback whales recovering from their brush with near-extinction? The species appears to be

making a rebound thanks to its inherent resiliency as well as the protection provided by humans.

 It’s not entirely clear when humpbacks first arrived in Hawaiian waters. Early Native Hawaiians

spoke reverently in sacred chants and legends about the whales that they named kohol. Records of

European settlers confirm sightings of humpbacks off Hawaiian coasts in the early 18th century.

Yankee whaling ships cruised the same waters, but humpbacks were not their target until years later,

when other whale species had become severely depleted.

Beginning in 1905, the slow-swimming humpbacks were hunted commercially for their yield of oil

and baleen. By the middle of the 20th century, only about 1,000 of the animals remained in the North

Pacific. Sightings of humpback whales off Hawai‘i remained so rare that even some marine experts

dismissed the idea of a Hawaiian humpback habitat as pure rumor.

Today the anecdotal picture is much rosier. Geyser-like fountaining, explosive splashes and the

unfurling of huge fins fill the horizon each winter. Even if you’re only looking seaward out of the corner

of your eye, humpbacks appear to be making a comeback. It’s not surprising that the humpback

whale has been designated Hawai‘i’s official State Marine Mammal.

Aided by research, the sanctuary has supported an accurate and reliable assessment of

humpback population size that does, in fact, confirm the heartening eyewitness reports. The sanctuary

provided partial funding for a seven-year survey of waters around the Hawaiian Islands by whale

scientist Joe Mobley. Using “distance sampling” methodology” in aerial studies conducted in 1993,

1995, 1998 and 2000, Mobley’s findings show that humpbacks are increasing at an annual rate of

seven percent—a statistically significant expansion. If the trend continues, the humpback population

may double every thirteen years.

Mobley’s numbers are consistent with those of another researcher, John Calambokidis who

calculated an estimate for the entire North Pacific stock over a three-year period using a procedure,

which computes recurrent sightings of humpbacks. The two independent lines of research quantify the

same seven percent increase. Translated into census estimates, this means Hawai‘i plays host each

winter to approximately 5,000 of a total North Pacific stock of 8,000 animals. If these figures are

accurate, Hawai‘i’s humpback whale population may now be over half of what it was in the prewhaling days.

Data from both Calambokidis and Mobley are used by the National Marine Fisheries Service to

determine official stock assessments upon which conservation policies are set. Encouraging as the

Familiarity with Resources

Breeds Respect Among

Users

It may be common for conservation and

commercial interests to come into conflict

when it comes to natural resources. But when

it comes to humpback whales, the founder of

one of Hawaii’s most commercialized

enterprises would like to get the word out that

cooperation is not unusual. Jim Coon, who

arrived in Hawaii over 30 years ago, the result

of what he describes as quasi-shipwreck

experience, says most whalewatch cruise

operators consider themselves huge fans of

the colossal animals as well as their keepers:

“They’re out on the water everyday and they

get to know humpbacks like no one else. It’s

been my experience that the whales are really

aware of human activities. I’ve been in

situations where individual creatures show

signs of recognizing my boat. Knowing how

sensitive they are makes me want to do all I

can to be a good neighbor in the ocean.”

Coon, who sits on the Sanctuary Advisory

Council, says the sanctuary has proved itself

despite the fears of some boat operators:

“The creation of the sanctuary has helped

bring whales back to Hawai‘i and it’s also

helped make whalewatching one of Hawai‘i’s

most popular pastimes. Commercial tour

boat operators really appreciate this, and they

are among some of the most ardent

conservationists you’ll find anywhere.”

25
Another group of folks especially fond of

whales is senior citizens—many of them

mainland retirees who live just a few doors

down from the sanctuary and have found it a

pleasant place to volunteer. The sanctuary’s

volunteer coordinators appreciate the affection

the seniors demonstrate for the environment,

though, she adds, it’s hard to generalize about

the individual motives for giving their time and

talent to the sanctuary. Gloria Adlawan sums it

up, “I grew up in Ki ̄hei and have witnessed

changes over time to the Hawaiian coastline

and the depletion of marine resources.

Volunteering gives you a sense of satisfaction,

no matter how small it seems,“ says Adlawan.

“Every little bit helps — educating little kids,

picking up litter...volunteering makes you

makes you feel like you’ve done something. It

comes from the heart.”

new findings may be, however, there is a need for caution.

While things look good for humpbacks at the present time, a much longer window of time is

needed to monitor the species’ recovery, before it is judged to be a complete success. One factor of

special concern is the humpback’s relatively long gestation period of twelve months and a

predominance of single births. The resulting low birth rate had been the basis for projecting that the

humpback population would need several decades to expand.

While the recently documented 7 percent expansion rate more than meets the most positive

expectations, it may be the lucky outcome of several coinciding circumstances: The cessation of

whaling ridded the seas of the greatest threat to humpbacks. At the same time, nature has been kind

to the feeding habitat of the North Pacific humpback stock; no major natural disasters have curtailed

the animal’s abundant food supply in higher latitudes. Additionally, government regulations, which

restrict human contact with humpbacks, have minimized harassment of the animals in both feeding

and breeding grounds.

Nevertheless, marine conservation of any resource must keep pace with changes brought about by

either human or natural impacts. There are many new developments in Hawaiian waters that could

potentially affect humpback whale recovery. Increasing coastal development, polluted run-off, oil and

chemical spills, and other pollution from land-based sources have degraded feeding and breeding

habitats of many marine creatures in Hawai‘i’s surrounding waters. There is mounting proof that

human population growth has contributed directly to overfishing and the serious decline of several

Hawaii fisheries. Plastic debris—in the form of discarded fishing gear—has led to more incidents of

marine life entanglement and ingestion, leading to injury and loss of marine life. Sudden increase in

any of these negative impacts in Hawaii can lead to loss of breeding habitat—a leading cause of

population decline for any wildlife species.

There are many reasons why humpbacks find Hawaiian waters suitable. Hawai‘i’s underwater

visibility, warm waters, a variety of ocean depths, and the lack of any natural predator spell peace and

tranquility for whales. The sanctuary extends a mantle of protection in the effort to ensure that

conditions remain suitable for the species to continue to prosper.

26

Male humpback whale in a competive group

arches to block a rival–possibly the action that

gave rise to the name “humpback.”

Photographer: ©Doug Perrine/Seapics.com/NMFS permit # 822