Vessel strike likely injured whale in waters off Maui

The Maui News

A sick whale spotted off the coast of Olowalu was likely struck by a vessel either on its way to Hawaii or while in the feeding grounds, according to researchers.

Pacific Whale Foundation researchers were called to assess the whale spotted from a whale-watching vessel on Thursday afternoon. They determined that the whale was likely suffering from blunt force injuries caused by a vessel strike. The whale also suffered from severe spinal trauma, causing it to lose the ability to swim using its tail.

Researchers collected data to assess the whale's health and injuries, in conjunction with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program.

It was last seen traveling west along Maui's coast.

The foundation identified the whale using photo identification and compared it to a global database hosted on Happywhale.com. The whale is known as "Moon" and has previously been sighted in northern British Columbia, Canada.

Vessel strikes continue to pose a real and imminent threat to local whale populations, the foundation warned. Through the "Go Slow, Whales Below" outreach campaign, the foundation, marine sanctuary and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are asking mariners to be mindful as peak whale season starts, and to follow the best practices when operating around local humpback whales. Mariners are asked to adhere to the 100-yard approach rule and to maintain a recommended maximum speed of 15 knots in waters 100 fathoms or less, and to proceed at a recommended maximum approach and departure speed of six knots when watching a whale within 400 yards.

Any sightings of the identified whale can be reported to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.

For more information about the current guidelines for boating near whales, visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/boating-with-whales/.