Ocean Blog
Fishing Nets Likely Caused Monk Seal Drownings Off Kaua‘i, NOAA Says
The DLNR said constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic delayed completion of post-mortem examinations.
Humpback Ocean Count Modified in 2021
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the sanctuary is running the program without the normal participation of volunteers.
Newly Discovered Algae Infesting Hawai‘i’s Northwestern Waters
A fast-growing species of algae was discovered to be infesting Hawai‘i’s northwestern waters.
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council to hold virtual meeting
The public is invited to virtually attend the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary advisory council GoToWebinar in a couple of weeks.
Handful of Confirmed Vessel Collisions With Whales Reported
Ocean users are asked to use caution when navigating shared waters.
Whales Abound in Hawaiian Waters, Counts Say
Although weather conditions were not ideal for viewing whales at the majority of sites, folks were still able to spot some whales in addition to other species.
New NOAA Research Vessel is Hawai‘i Bound
Design of the vessel is currently underway, and NOAA expects to award a contract for the construction of the ship by the end of the year.
Humpback Mother/Calf Pairs in ‘Abundance’ Near Sanctuary
Humpback whales are protected in Hawai‘i. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft.
Hundreds of Humback Whales Counted Along Hawaiian Island Shores
Sanctuary Ocean Count and Great Whale Count volunteers gathered to observe humpback whales from Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, and Maui.
Thousands of Pounds of Debris Removed from Ka‘ū Coastline
According to the HWF Facebook page, last year alone, HWF and volunteers removed over 55,000 pounds from remote and rocky shorelines on Hawai‘i Island (plus over 26,000 pounds from Maui).
Larval Fish Ingesting Plastic via Surface Slicks
After dissecting hundreds of larval fish, the researchers discovered that many fish species ingested plastic particles.
UH Hilo Oysters Will Clean Water at Sand Island
Water clarity and quality at Sand Island, Honolulu will be improved using a natural resource — oysters.
DLNR Encourages Companies, Locals to Take Coral Pledge
This year’s coral bleaching event has prompted state agencies to create a pledge to protect the delicate ocean ecosystem.
Humpback Whale Advisory Council Hilo Meeting
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary will hold an advisory council meeting at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center next month.
State Launches ‘Coral Pledge’ to Save Reefs
The pledge includes a simple set of recommendations to help reduce human impacts to Hawai‘i reefs year-round.
Openings on Advisory Council for Humpback Whale Sanctuary
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is looking for 10 primary and nine alternate seats for the council.
UH Mānoa Researchers Study Habits of Humback Whales
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers and their collaborators have captured video from a humpback whale’s-point-of-view as it works to ensnare its prey.
Reef Ecosystem Reserve Seeks Advisory Council Members
NOAA’s Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve is looking to fill multiple positions on its advisory council.
Federal Funding for Papahānaumokuākea
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is one of the world’s largest marine protected areas.
First Humpback of Season Sighted Off Kaua‘i
Captains aboard Holo Holo Charter’s Adventurer II spotted what appeared to be the first humpback whale of the season about a mile off Ke’e Beach.
