Public advised to look out for whales and turtles

State reports 22 boat strikes of turtles this year

Wildlife officials are urging boaters and other oceangoers to keep an eye out for humpback whales and sea turtles to avoid collisions and injuries, especially with whale season in Hawaii underway.

Thousands of North Pacific humpback whales, about half of the population, journey to the state during the winter and spring. Whales will be around the islands to breed, give birth and nurse their young, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminded the public this week. While some whales have already arrived, the majority will be in Hawaii between January and March.

Humpback whales in Hawaii are protected by state and federal agencies. Approaching humpback whales within 100 yards in the water or 1,000 feet by air (including drones) can impact the animals and is illegal.

“Collisions between whales and vessels occur annually, presenting serious risks to boaters as well as the whales,” said Edward Lyman, natural resource specialist for the sanctuary. “Whale calves are particularly vulnerable because they are difficult to see and surface more often.”

NOAA recommends remaining vigilant and going at a slow, safe speed based on conditions, vessel type and other factors that affect detection and avoidance in areas where whales may be present.

NOAA and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are also cautioning people about sea turtles, with 22 boat strikes of turtles so far this year.

Kauai had the most boat strikes with 11, followed by Oahu with eight strikes and Maui with three, according to DLNR spokesman Dan Dennison. The 22 green sea turtles have been struck by boat propellers or broadsided by boats, hydrofoils or other ocean vessels.

Most sea turtles struck by boats do not survive, according to a DLNR news release Friday.

This year only one turtle was sent to the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute for Rehabilitation before being released back to the ocean.

DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation recommends various tips to look out for turtles, including:

≤ Posting a lookout to watch out for marine hazards.

≤ Driving slowly (5 to 10 knots) near harbors and boat ramps.

≤ Maintaining “slow-no wake” speeds within 200 feet of shore for vessels and within 300 feet for Jet Skis.

≤ Providing a 50-foot buffer between boats and sea turtles or being extra cautious when traveling over shallow reef habitats.