


Read about this week's enforcement actions from around the country.
Two enforcement officers completed the fourth week of Protected Species sea patrols within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary off the Islands of Maui, Lanai, and Kaho’olawe. While patrolling open waters in between Molokini and Maui, officers observed and retrieved two large masses of derelict fishing gear floating on the surface, mitigating the possibility of whale entanglement. While towing one of the derelict fishing gear masses to Ma’alaea Harbor, the crew encountered a fast-moving weather system that included thunder, lightning, heavy rain, hail, and water spouts. After about 30 minutes, the weather passed and the team made safe harbor.
Throughout the week, officers contacted multiple recreational boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, and commercial tour boats regarding humpback whale approach regulations.