The numbers are in, and humpback whale sightings are on the rise. According to the annual Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, an average of three whales were spotted off Big Island sites every 15 minutes, eight off Kauai sites, and two off Oahu sites.
Over 950 volunteers gathered the data, which will see use in corroborating scientific studies that show the humpback whale population in Hawaii is increasing at a rate of about seven per cent every year.
Up to 12,000 humpback whales are found in Hawaiian waters every year. They return to their birthplace every year between November to May after migrating from as far away as Alaska. Due to their increasing numbers, boaters and other ocean users are asked to remain vigilant to avoid hitting or disturbing these endangered whales that are protected by federal and state laws.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
