Today the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary faces ongoing challenges to protect its precious resources while accommodating the multiple demands of the public. It continues to draw upon the community for support and guidance in protecting the waters and marine inhabitants within its boundaries. It also requires that the sanctuary identify research needs and establish a long-term ecological monitoring program with respect to humpbacks and their habitat.
Public involvement is an essential part of the sanctuary's management strategies.
The Sanctuary Advisory Council, formed in March 1996, provides advice and recommendations to Hawaii's Sanctuary Manager as well as the sanctuary program in relation to management issues. Members come from business and commerce, commercial shipping, conservation, education, fishing and native Hawaiian ocean recreation, research, tourism and whale watching interests. The designation of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary focused attention on protection of the central North Pacific population of humpback whales and their wintering habitat. Science A young humpback whale calf performs a back flip in Maalaea Bay, Maui. Spectacular behaviors such as these, known as breaching, can easily be seen from the shore.