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Hawaii’s First Humpback Whale Sighting of the Season Captured – Spearfisherman Thought it was a Submarine

humpback whale conversation
Image credit: Elianne Dipp via Pexels

On a calm Thursday, spearfisherman and underwater videographer, Oahu Ryan, experienced the unexpected while diving off the shores of East Oahu. Known for his sea adventures, Ryan had never encountered anything like this before.

The First Sighting of the Season

Hawaii’s First Humpback Whale Sighting Captured by Oahu Spearfisherman
© Provided by KHON Honolulu

Ryan spotted what he initially thought was a submarine. To his astonishment, it turned out to be Hawaii’s first humpback whale sighting of the season, as confirmed by NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary.

Initial Reactions

Hawaii’s First Humpback Whale Sighting Captured by Oahu Spearfisherman
© Provided by KHON Honolulu

“It’s got to be the most exciting thing that’s ever happened,” Ryan exclaimed. “It’s extremely rare not only to see a whale but to have a whale swim over your head.”

Understanding the Behavior

Hawaii’s First Humpback Whale Sighting Captured by Oahu Spearfisherman
© Provided by KHON Honolulu

Ryan observed the whale’s calm demeanor, with its fins motionless as it coasted by. This behavior made him mistake the whale for a submarine at first.

Expert Insights

Hawaii’s First Humpback Whale Sighting Captured by Oahu Spearfisherman
© Provided by KHON Honolulu

Eden Zang, Science Coordinator at the Pacific Islands Region Sanctuary, explained the rarity of this sighting. Humpback whales typically visit Hawaii from December through May to breed and calve, making a July sighting unusual.

Whales’ Seasonal Patterns

Hawaii’s First Humpback Whale Sighting Captured by Oahu Spearfisherman
© Provided by KHON Honolulu

Humpback whales usually migrate to Alaska after their breeding season in Hawaii. This whale’s appearance in July puzzled experts who are unsure if it’s an early arrival, a late departure, or a whale that missed the season.

Speculations on the Whale’s Condition

Humpback whale under water
Humpback whale under water. Image via Deposit Photos

Researchers noted the whale’s lack of barnacles, which often fall off in Hawaii’s warm waters. This observation might provide clues about the whale’s time spent in Hawaiian waters.

Safety Regulations

Bubble Net Feeding
Bubble Net Feeding humpback whale. Image via Depositphotos

NOAA reminds the public to maintain a 100-yard distance from humpback whales. Ryan’s encounter was fortunate as he did not approach the whale; it simply swam by him.

A Rare and Memorable Experience

Image via Wikimedia – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

“This was a one-in-a-billion chance happening,” Ryan reflected. “I just had like, shivers. I saw the eye. It changed its gaze and just looked at me and kept cruising.”

Conservation Efforts

whale
Humpback Whale via Unsplash.

NOAA emphasizes the importance of respecting marine life and adhering to guidelines to ensure the safety and preservation of these magnificent creatures.

The Role of Spearfishermen in Marine Observation

humpback whale conversation
Image credit: Elianne Dipp via Pexels

As an underwater videographer, Ryan’s experience highlights the unique opportunities spearfishermen have to observe marine life up close.

Importance of Data Collection

humpback whale conversation
Image by Elianne Dipp via Pexels

Researchers stress the need for more data to understand the age, health, and behavior of humpback whales in Hawaii.

The Impact of Unexpected Encounters

Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale breaching. Image via Deposit Photos

Such encounters, while thrilling, remind us of the delicate balance between human activities and marine life conservation.

Encouraging Responsible Wildlife Observation

Humpback whale tail
humpback whale tail diving on pacific ocean background in cabo san lucas mexico. Image via Deposit Photos

NOAA urges the public to enjoy marine life responsibly, maintaining safe distances and reporting sightings to contribute to conservation efforts.

Future Sightings and Research

Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale Jumping Out Of The Water. Image by GUDKOVANDREY via Depositphotos

Scientists will continue monitoring humpback whale sightings to better understand their migration patterns and behavior.

A Memorable Dive

Humpback whale
Massive humpback whale breaching. Image via Depositphotos

Image by GUDKOVANDREY via Depositphotos

For Ryan, this dive will forever stand out as a highlight of his underwater adventures, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the ocean.

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