Season’s first humpback whale sighted off Hawaii’s Big Island
Hawaii’s first whale of the season was spotted this week off the Big Island, at least two months before humpback whales are typically seen in waters around the Islands.
Tour companies, including Atlantis Submarines, Captain Zodiac, Kona Diving Co. and Wild Hawaii Ocean Adventures, sighted the adult humpback surfacing off Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona on Thursday.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary said it may be the earliest humpback sighting in recent history. Humpback whales typically migrate from the cold waters off Alaska from November through May.
“It’s important for everyone to be extra vigilant during whale season, for their own safety and the protection of the animals, and this year whale season seems to be starting early,” Justin Viezbicke, Hawaii Island Programs coordinator for the sanctuary, said in a statement.
Edited by : Bill Hurley
