Report of the Workshop to Assess Research and Other Needs and Opportunities Related to Humpback Whale Management in the Hawaiian Islands, Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) completed a Final Recovery Plan for the Humpback Whale (Recovery Plan) in December of 1991 (NMFS 1991). Less than a year later, Public Law 102-587 (the Oceans Act of 1992 (the Act)), was signed into law which designated the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (the Sanctuary). The primary objectives of the Sanctuary are to: protect the humpback whales and their habitat in the waters around the Main Hawaiian Islands; educate and interpret for the public the relationship of the humpback whale and the Hawaiian marine environment; manage human uses of the Sanctuary consistent with the Act; and, identify other marine resources and ecosystems of national significance for possible inclusion in the Sanctuary. The objectives of the Recovery Plan are compatible with those of a Sanctuary Plan and include maintaining and enhancing humpback whale habitat (s); reducing human-related mortality, injury and disturbance; measuring and monitoring key population parameters; and promoting a State/Federal partnership for administration and implementation of the Recovery Plan.