Report on a Workshop on Problems Related to Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hawaii

Abstract

A small population of humpback whales, numbering between 20 and 590 animals, is the object of an increasing level of human attention in Hawaiian waters. A workshop was convened to consider the nature and extent of harassment experienced by these whales in their winter range and to discuss management and research needed to ensure that they are adequately protected there. An effort was made to define biological harassment at two levels·--one concerned with long-term reduction of biological fitness, and the other with short-term stress that may or may not affect fitness., Behavioral nuances and measurable life-history changes that may serve as indices of harassment's effects were identified,.as were the human activities implicated in harassment. A profile of the humpback population in Hawaii and its habitat was developed. It was concluded that hydrofoil transit routes and operating procedures should be adjusted.to minimize the possibility of collisions with whales... Also, operators of boats, ships, and aircraft need to be educated and advised of the potential harm they could inflict on the whales. Management recommendations included consideration of alternatives under existing legislation for a humpback park, sanctuary, or critical habitat; and a strong federal enforcement presence to monitor human/whale interaction in Hawaii.~·Research should focus primarily on whale abundance, distribution, and recruitment rate, and secondarily on social organization, normal behavior patterns, effects of harassment and levels of human activity. Papers presented at the workshop are appended to the report.