Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022

Recommendations from DLNR, NOAA and non-profits call for no more than 15 mph in boat speeds when whales arrive. Photo from NOAA

LOWERING BOAT SPEEDS AROUND HUMPBACK WHALES is recommended by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, which held a news conference on Monday. DLNR, NOAA and Pacific Whale Foundation conducted research and came up with a guideline of 15 mph in the presence of whales.

This humpback was snagged by fishing gear. NOAA photo

     “The research began in 2013, when we first set out to answer that question of what can we recommend as the best speed for boaters operating during whale viewing season,” explained Jens Currie, Chief Scientist at Pacific Whale Foundation. “It’s nice we can put some quantification on this from our scientific studies. You’ll have much more time to react, the slower you go. It’s significantly different at those slower speeds than higher ones.”
    Ed Lyman, of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, said, “We’ve been saying for years now, how important slower and more prudent speeds are. The available data suggests that transit speed, when around whales, should be 15 knots or less.
    “Everyone wants to avoid a whale strike, so these recommended speeds will help mariners too,” Lyman said. He equated a fast-moving boat around whales to a speeding driver in a school zone. On a recent trip, guests were treated to multiple instances of mother Humpback whales teaching their calves to breach.
    For the past year, representatives from Pacific Whale Foundation, NOAA, DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, tour operators, private boaters, fishers, and other community members "have worked on a set of recommendations to keep both whales and watchers safe," says the DLNR statement.

Only research boats like this one from NOAA with a research permit are allowed to approach humpbacks closer than 100 yards. State, federal and non-profit experts recommend cutting boat speed to 15mph whenever a humpback shows up nearby. NOAA photo

    “We really wanted to make it a collective effort and have all the agencies, plus voices from stakeholders and others involved in this. Close to universal agreement? Yes…it seems most everyone who contributed is happy with the 15-knot underway recommendation,” said Jeannine Rossa, with the DLNR Division of Aquatics, who serves as the state co-manager of the whale sanctuary.
    The key recommendations resulting from the collaboration include: When approaching and departing whales, reduce vessel speed to six knots when within 400 yards. Post a lookout. Pay close attention to time of day and time of year, as whales and their calves winter in Hawaiian waters.
    The studies found that as boats approach whales at higher speeds, the animals would change direction, indicating they are not comfortable with the presence of vessels. Their speed changes, and their dive and respiration rates change.
    Humpback whales in U.S. waters are federally protected. It is illegal to approach humpback whales within 100 yards, including by boat, kayak, drone, when swimming, or by any other vessel or means.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.

Volcano Art Center will expand its May Day celebration to the entire month of May, with lei making classes, hula, music and other cultural demonstrations, with $9,880 in funding from Hawai'i Tourism Authority, plus matching funds. It begins of Lei Day, May 1. Photo from Volcano Art Center