The Hawaiian Islands were formed during the last
few million years by the gradual accretion of
basaltic lava flows. Scientists believe that the
islands' geologic features were formed by
successive periods of volcanic activity
interspersed with submergence, weathering, and
fluctuating sea levels. The islands are generally
surrounded by coral reefs and contain numerous
bays.
Today the waters around the main Hawaiian Islands
of Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and
Kaho'olawe constitute one of the world's most
important North Pacific humpback whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae) habitats and the
only place in the U.S. where humpbacks reproduce.
Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire
North Pacific humpback whale population
(approximately 4000-5000 whales) migrate to
Hawaiian waters to engage in breeding, calving and
nursing activities.
One area, Penguin Banks, is
noted for highest concentrations of humpback whales
during their winter sojourns in Hawaii. While in
Hawaii, Humpback Whales are found in shallow
coastal waters, usually less then 100 meters (300
feet). The average water depth in Penguin Banks is
about 60 meters, but water depths can range from 50
meters to 200 meters. Observations from research
subs at Penguin Banks and in other sanctuary areas
have indicated that the seafloor is composed
primarily of sand with occasional outcrops of
coarse sediment, limestone talus, limestone holes,
and platforms.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary's primary focus is the giant cetaceans
who come to sanctuary water to breed, calve and
nurse their young before returning north to the
colder waters of the Bering Sea. However, Hawaii
also provides harbor for fin, minke, pygmy, false
killer, and right whales; and the warm waters teem
with many species of dolphin including bottlenose,
spinner, striped and rough-toothed. Sea turtles,
sharks, monk seals, a thriving coral reef
ecosystem, and diverse populations of seabirds are
other important elements of Hawaii's marine
environment.
The marine waters around the Hawaiian islands
contain a variety of cultural riches of national
significance--settlement patterns and resource
management patterns as well as historical
treasures--archeological sites, fishponds, and
shipwrecks. Over the ages, Native Hawaiians have
used the ocean for fishing, aquaculture, trade,
transportation, and communication as well as
religious practices, and its role in Hawaiian life
cannot be underestimated.
Cool ocean currents and persistent northeasterly
trade winds contribute a subtropical climate to the
islands. The average wind velocity is between 10
and 20 knots, but velocities over 20 kt for more
than a week are not uncommon. Occasionally, periods
of southerly, or kona, winds may bring storms.
Ocean temperatures are lower than other areas of
the same latitude and range from 21° C to
29°C.
The photo gallery contains images which portray
only a small portion of the living and physical
resources of the sanctuary. In addition, it
portrays some of the major uses of the sanctuary.
For a more detailed description of the marvels of
the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary, visit the
Hawaiian
Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
description on the Marine Sanctuaries
section of this
site.
(top)
The
Collection
The
Living Sanctuary
presents 17 photos depicting marine mammals, fish,
and invertebrates. Among these images are humpback
whales, monk seals, dolphin, corals, crabs,
shrimp,and urchins to name just a few.
Habitats
presents 10 photos depicting the various marine and
near shore habitats making up the sanctuary.
Included in this section you will find tidepools,
coral reefs, an underwater crater, and other
representatives of the diverse habitat making up
the sanctuary.
People
and the Sanctuary
presents 20 images depicting the many ways that
human beings use the sanctuary and its adjacent
areas. You will see people recreating, researching,
monitoring, harvesting resources, and learning the
important lessons that the sanctuary has to
offer.
The Sustainable
Seas Expeditions
photos from the January 2000 expedition are
unavailable.
The Kids
Gallery for the
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary contains two poems and an essay about
Sylvia Earle, leader of the Sustainable Seas
Expeditions, from children in Hawaii.
(top)
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