NOAA: Save Hawaiʻi’s False Killer Whales from Extinction

Hawaiʻi’s False Killer Whales are on the brink of disappearing forever — and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is standing by as these incredible animals slip closer to extinction.

Fewer than 150 False Killer Whales remain around the main Hawaiian Islands. Researchers from NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, along with collaborating institutions, discovered that from 1999 to 2022, the population of endangered dolphins known as “false killer whales” had declined by about 3.5% each year. Scientists warn that, without urgent action, the species could disappear entirely by the middle of the century. 

Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.

These remarkable whales — known for their deep family bonds, cooperative hunting, and emotional intelligence — are being pushed to the brink of extinction by deadly fishing gear, polluted waters, and dwindling food sources. Despite being protected under the Endangered Species Act and having a critical habitat designated, the administration’s current plan is failing to stop their decline.

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service must do more — now.

Call on NMFS to:

1: Fix and strengthen the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan. Set a goal of zero new deaths from fishing gear, enforce mandatory use of safer fishing equipment and electronic monitoring, and expand observer coverage in near-shore fisheries so no whale death goes unseen.

2: Address pollution and contamination. New studies show that whales face dangerously high levels of toxins from contaminated prey — action is needed to track and clean up chemical and plastic pollution in their waters.

3: Rebuild prey fish populations and protect critical foraging zones around Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu.

4: Ensure accountability and transparency. Require NMFS to publish annual progress reports on whale deaths, population trends, and recovery milestones.

We can still save these extraordinary beings — but only if NOAA acts immediately. Every day of delay brings Hawaiʻi’s False Killer Whales closer to extinction.

Please sign this petition to demand bold federal action before it’s too late. Let’s make sure these beautiful, social whales continue to thrive in Hawaiian waters for generations to come.