HONOLULU (KHON2) — Whale watching in Hawai‘i is an iconic experience. The majestic humpback whales migrate thousands of miles to the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands each year to give birth and breed.
For locals and visitors alike, seeing these enormous creatures glide through the ocean is a mesmerizing spectacle.
But beyond the beauty of these whales lies a complex web of environmental factors that affect their survival.
To better understand the science behind whale behavior and conservation, KHON2.com turned to Jens Currie, the Chief Scientist at Pacific Whale Foundation, for insights on whale watching in Hawai‘i, the challenges these creatures face and how people can make a difference.
Currie, who has been studying whales for more than a decade, moved to Hawai‘i from the east coast of Canada where he initially began his marine biology career.
Since then, he has focused his work on humpback whales and dolphins in Hawai‘i and other research projects across the Pacific in places like Australia, Ecuador and Chile.
According to Currie, Hawai‘i’s whale population holds a special place in his research.
“Maui Nui has become a hotspot for migrating humpback whales that are coming here largely from British Columbia, Canada, as well as Alaska,” Currie explained. “This area holds the largest known aggregation of humpback whales in the main Hawaiian Islands.”
Why Hawai‘i?
Hawai‘i’s warm, shallow waters make it an ideal breeding and birthing ground for humpback whales, especially in places like Maui Nui.
The island’s topography, with sheltered waters between Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i, offers the perfect refuge for mothers and their newborn calves.
“The shallow basins provide the protection that humpback whales prefer,” Currie noted.
The sheltered waters serve as a natural sanctuary for the whale that gives them the ideal conditions for breeding and calf rearing far from the harsh conditions of the colder feeding grounds in places like Alaska.
During peak whale season, which runs from December through April, people can witness an extraordinary sight: humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping and engaging in complex social behaviors.
“You can just drive down the highway, pull over, and in 5 to 10 minutes, you can count several humpback whales from shore,” Currie said. The sighting opportunities are abundant and accessible which is why Maui is a prime destination for whale watchers.
However, while these experiences are a thrill for all of us, Currie cautions that there is more to the story than meets the eye. As much as whale watching provides awe-inspiring moments, it also has the potential for harm if not done sustainably.
The dark side of whale watching
Unsustainable tourism practices are one of the significant threats to humpback whales, particularly during the busy tourist season.
Currie emphasized that while tourism can have positive effects, such as raising awareness about whale conservation. But it can also disrupt the whales’ natural behaviors if not managed properly.
“We’ve done research in Australia where we’ve seen the impact of swim-with-whale operations. Here in Hawai‘i, we’ve evaluated the regulations for vessels and found that approaching whales too closely can disturb their natural behaviors,” Currie warned.
To minimize this impact, Currie advises boat operators and whale watchers to follow strict guidelines.
In Hawai‘i, vessels are prohibited from approaching humpback whales closer than 100 yards. But beyond simply keeping distance, there are additional practices that can help protect these magnificent creatures.
“Slowing down to six knots or less when you’re 400 yards away from the whale helps reduce the acoustic disturbance from the boat,” Currie explained. “If boats approach too fast or get too close, it can change the whale’s behavior, potentially causing them to stop resting or change direction.”
Currie’s research shows that when boats respect these guidelines, the whales are less likely to change their natural behaviors, such as resting or feeding.
This careful approach allows whale watchers to enjoy the experience without disturbing the animals.
“We want to make sure that people are watching natural behaviors, not causing changes in the whales’ routines,” Currie said.
The hidden threats: Human impact on whale conservation
While the act of watching whales may seem harmless, Currie points out that many human activities are affecting these creatures in profound ways. Some of the most significant threats to whales include vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, marine pollution and the impact of climate change.
“The cumulative impact of these threats is enormous,” Currie explained. “Vessel strikes are a big issue for humpback whales, particularly as boat traffic increases during whale season. And entanglements in fishing gear, like crab pots and lobster traps, can also cause serious harm.”
In addition to physical harm, whales are impacted by environmental changes. Currie highlighted that pollution, especially plastic waste and marine debris, poses a growing threat.
“Plastic is everywhere in the ocean, and whales are ingesting or becoming entangled in it,” he explained. “We do regular cleanups here in Maui, and sometimes we find debris that’s been in the ocean for 20 to 30 years.”
Currie encouraged everyone to play a role in reducing ocean pollution by making mindful choices.
“Turning off the tap” is a phrase he often uses to describe how consumers can reduce their environmental impact. By supporting sustainable fisheries, avoiding single-use plastics and properly disposing of waste, people can help reduce pollution in the ocean, which ultimately benefits marine life.
Another way people can contribute is by supporting responsible, sustainable tourism practices. As Currie pointed out, it’s not just about enjoying the beauty of whales; it’s about ensuring that future generations can continue to witness these magnificent creatures.
“Unsustainable tourism practices can have long-term consequences,” he warned. “Tourists and residents alike should support operators who prioritize the health and safety of marine life.”
How you can make a difference
So, what can individuals do to protect whales and ensure that whale watching remains a sustainable activity? Currie offers several practical suggestions:
- Be mindful of waste: Reduce plastic consumption and participate in ocean cleanups.
- Support sustainable fisheries: Be aware of where the seafood you consume comes from and ensure it’s sourced responsibly.
- Respect regulations: Follow the rules for whale watching and encourage others to do the same.
- Get involved in marine conservation: Support organizations that work to protect marine ecosystems, like Pacific Whale Foundation.
Currie concluded with, “Whales are incredibly resilient, but we can’t take them for granted. Small changes in behavior can have a big impact, and every little bit helps.”
As visitors and locals alike flock to areas for the whale-watching season, it’s vital to remember that these majestic creatures are not just here for our enjoyment. They are part of a delicate ecosystem that needs our protection.
By following best practices and making responsible choices, we can continue to enjoy the awe of watching humpback whales without compromising their future.
You can click here to learn more about the Pacific Whale Foundation.
For Currie, the work is ongoing, but there’s hope. “We have the power to make a difference. It’s about being informed and making conscious decisions that protect these animals and the ocean they call home,” he concluded.