Whale watching season starts at the beginning of February and ends in April. We went out with The Zamami Whale watching Association In 2013.  Before the boat ride, a local Scientist delivered an informative presentation on these powerful endangered animals. I have to say they are doing their best to educate the public on the protection of the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). During the boat ride, the staff and boat captain were highly professional. The boats kept a safe working distance from the whales. The whales would surface for a few minutes go back down for 10-15minutes and resurface.  We really wanted to get some powerful images of the whale jumping out of the water but we didn’t get that lucky.  It was still worth the experience.

Whale watching tours – Kerama Islands

Humpback checking out the scene

Humpback Whale Dorsal fin

Whale Fluke -Karama Islands

Whale watching tours at Zamami Island

Whale tail splash

The Humpback whales biggest threat is Pollution.  They are filter feeders and often accidentally ingest marine debris.  Our waste is a serious problem for all marine animals.

Our waste is overwelling. We are at the point of massive destruction if we don’t do anything about it right now.  The trash (Marine debris) is found on the surface of the water, underwater and littered on our beautiful shorelines.  This is a worldwide issue we continue to ignore.

Ocean surface pollution

Underwater Pollution

Beach shoreline pollution

Ropes, fishing gear, and nets are entanglements for the Whales

Plastic pollution, noise pollution and an increase in large boat traffic are having an impact on the whales.  Every year we see whales washed on our shorelines.

Dead humpback whale – Kadena

Juvenile humpback whale

Another Juvenile humpback whale washed up on Torii beach.

Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

Let’s protect the animals of the Okinawa.