Protecting and respecting indigenous Hawaiian marine life is an important part of being a responsible visitor to the Hawaiian Islands. In this post, we’ll teach you a bit about some of our protected species and a variety of other marine species that are important to our ecosystem. Lastly, we’ll share some resources for you to check out if you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about the diverse marine life in Hawai’i.
Protected Marine Species in Hawai’i
There are a variety of threatened or endangered indigenous marine animals in the waters of the Hawaiian Islands. This includes humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, the yellow-bellied sea snake, and several species of turtles and dolphins.
Endangered Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are amazing and majestic creatures. During the winter, they swim down from the Alaska to Hawai’i, where they can give birth in the warmer Hawaiian waters. These creatures swim about 3,000 miles (one direction) to come and raise their young in the warmer regions of the Pacific Ocean. They can also be seen in the winter along the coasts of California, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Humpback whales are highly endangered due to the huge commercial whaling industry in the 1970s, when whale blubber was a prized possession. Since then, organizations like NOAA have worked diligently to change policy around hunting as well as enact new policy around protections.
Endangered Hawaiian Sea Turtles
Hawaiian sea turtles are gentle creatures who can hold their breath for up to three hours. They swim along the reef eating limu (seaweed) and other small crustaceans. Littering has had a major impact on sea turtle populations, as plastic bags often look like jellyfish, a favorite treat of sea turtles. An abundance of cigarette butts and other ocean detritus have all contributed to the deaths of sea turtles. An increase in boating activities, fishing, and illegal hunting have all caused the population of Hawaiian sea turtles to decrease.
Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals
Sadly, there are less than 2,000 Hawaiian monk seals remaining in Hawai’i. Their population decline has been caused significantly by loss of food sources, fishing interactions (getting tangled in nets), shark predation, and even intentional killing. Hawaiian monk seals are sometimes called the “dogs of the sea” for their sweet round faces and playful natures. Their Hawaiian name, “ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua”, means dog running in the rough seas. Sadly, there are less than 2,000 Hawaiian monk seals remaining in Hawai’i. Their population decline has been caused significantly by loss of food sources, fishing interactions (getting tangled in nets), shark predation, and even intentional killing.
Organizations that Protect Hawai’i Marine Life
To learn more about how you can donate, protect, and even volunteer to help marine species in Hawai’i, visit these websites:
Conservation Council for Hawai’i
Tours to See Marine Life with Real Hawai’i Tours
Protecting these indigenous creatures is deeply important to Real Hawai’i tours, which is why we partner exclusively with tours that are conscientious and respectful of Hawaiian Marine life. Our shark diving tours, dolphin tours, and snorkeling adventure partners will allow you to see these amazing creatures within the parameters of an experience that protects and respects them.