marine science info & resources

Hawaii's Marine Protected Species

The following species are protected under federal and state laws:
  • North Pacific Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae; "kohola")
  • Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi; "ïlio-holo-kai")
  • dolphin species including: the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris; "nai’a"), Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), and Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
  • Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas; "honu")
  • Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata; "honu'ea")
Laws & Guidelines