The Department of Land and Natural Resources, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office, is holding state-wide workshops starting on 8 November 2007. The workshops are free and are open to both commercial and recreational boat operators in an effort to educate boaters on safe, considerate and lawful vessel operation during humpback whale season.

As many as 10,000 humpback whales will be in Hawaiian waters this winter season and whilst the 45-ton Humpbacks delight whale-watchers, they also pose safety risks to boaters and other ocean users. These workshops, are offered every year at the start of humpback whale season and at each workshop, Ed Lyman, marine mammal response coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and a licensed captain, present a new map of whale densities across the state, give tips on how to spot whales at sea and go over detailed guidelines for safe, enjoyable and lawful boat-based whale-watching excursions.

The workshops will also cover what boaters can do to assist in responding to entangled whales. There were at least seven entangled whales reported in Hawaii last year, and the workshops brief boaters on how to safely and effectively play a role in reporting and tracking entangled whales, providing an essential contribution trained whale rescuers.