Gates of Dawn

On the risk of blue whales’ extinction, the US government has promulgated two federal laws to protect all species of whales, including the humpbacks: the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
In addition, there are specific regulations on approaching humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. These regulations are meant to ensure that humpback whales are not disturbed or harassed in the course of human activities. These regulations are listed below.

“It is unlawful to:
1. Operate any aircraft within 1,000 feet of a humpback whale

2. Approach by any means (i.e., by boat or by swimming) closer than 100 yards of any humpback whale or closer than 300 yards of a humpback mother and calf.

3. Disrupt the normal behavior or activity of a humpback whale. This is considered a form of harassment.”

Violators of these regulations may be prosecuted by the Federal government and may be subject to penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation or penalty.

International protection
Outside the United States, populations of the humpback and other species of whales are protected from hunting under agreements made by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), as mentioned above.

In addition, protection against the pressures of international trade is provided by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international treaty that protects whales as well as other endangered species by prohibiting trade in their parts or products. 120 nations, including most wildlife consuming and producing nations, have signed the treaty and have agreed to abide by its provisions.