The Protected Species Program conserves, protects, and enhances endangered and threatened marine species found in Hawaiian waters — from monk seals and sea turtles to false killer whales and manta rays.
7
Protected Species
6
Hawaiian Islands
13
Field Staff
24/7
Hotline Response
These species are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Hawaiʻi state law (HRS §195D).
The Protected Species Program (PSP) is part of the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). We are responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing protected marine animal species found in Hawaiian waters.
Our team of 13 staff across 6 Hawaiian islands works through public outreach and education, invasive predator management, pono (responsible) fishing advocacy, animal and habitat monitoring, marine debris removal, stranding response, and more.
Report injured, entangled, or stranded marine animals
1-888-256-9840
NOAA 24-hour hotline
Monk seals: 50 ft (150 ft for mothers & pups) · Humpback whales: 100 yds · Spinner dolphins: 50 yds · Sea turtles: 10 ft
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 prohibit the “take” of protected species — defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect.
Under HRS §195D and HAR 13-124, the State of Hawaiʻi adopts federal protections and extends management authority within 3 nautical miles of each island.
Species are assessed on a global scale by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, from Least Concern through Critically Endangered to Extinct. This helps guide international conservation priorities.
If you encounter an injured, entangled, or stranded marine animal, please report it immediately. Do not approach or attempt to help the animal yourself.
Emergency — Injured/Entangled Animal
1-888-256-9840
NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline (24/7)
Monk Seal Sighting
1-888-256-9840
Report all monk seal sightings
Remember: Keep Your Distance
Stay at least 50 feet from monk seals, 100 yards from humpback whales, and 50 yards from spinner dolphins. Getting too close may constitute a federal violation.