When estimating the number of false killer whales that interact with the longline fishery, scientists and resource managers do not try to guess the sex of any individual caught. But a recently published study of dorsal fin disfigurements concludes that … Continued
Posted 08/30/2013 The National Marine Fisheries Service has determined that removing North Pacific humpback whales from the federal endangered species list may be warranted. That’s according to an August 29 Federal Register notice in which the NMFS announced the initiation of … Continued
Posted 04/09/2013 Efforts by the Hawai`i County Council to outlaw aerial hunting of mouflon and sheep on Mauna Kea have been struck down by U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright. Following a short hearing in Seabright’s courtroom on April 8, … Continued
Posted 01/24/2013 The Hawai`i Department of Transportation has been notified by the U.S. Department of Justice that it may soon be indicted for criminal violations of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act. On December 20, … Continued
Posted 11/02/2012 Two conservation groups are suing the National Marine Fisheries Service, challenging its new rule expanding the number of loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles that may be taken by the Hawai`i swordfish fishery. The complaint seeks both injunctive relief … Continued
Posted 09/18/2012 The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced it is accepting further public comment on a petition to list the Hawai`i insular population of false killer whales as a distinct population segment eligible for protection under the Endangered Species Act. … Continued
Posted 08/07/2012 Our August story, “New Stock Assessment of Pelagic Population of False Killer Whales,” regrettably included several errors and failed to note several important points. The following is intended to correct and/or clarify misstatements and omissions in our piece. … Continued
Posted 06/25/2012 In response to critical comments from state agencies and legislators as well as the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, the National Marine Fisheries Service has postponed for six more months a decision on expanding critical habitat for the … Continued
Posted 05/24/2012 Earthjustice is suing the National Marine Fisheries Service over the agency’s foot-dragging in protecting false killer whales from Hawai`i-based longline fishing vessels. NMFS’ own studies show that the whales are being hooked, injured, and even killed by … Continued
Posted 05/21/2012 Just days before the NRDC lawsuit, NMFS released its most recent stock assessment reports (SARs) for marine mammals, including those in the Pacific that interact with Hawai`i-based fisheries. At the same time, it responded to the several comments … Continued