(Editor's Note: This is what happens when anti-Superferry activists are allowed to operate seagoing catamarans.  Luckily no whales were gouged or killed by the Pacific Whale Institute this time.)

DLNR DIVISION’S MONITORING REMOVAL OF PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION BOAT

Grounded in Lahaina Harbor

News Release from DLNR, February 3, 2015

HONOLULU – In order to try and prevent potential resource damage and to ensure that any  damage is repaired, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) and Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) are closely monitoring the salvage operation of a Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) vessel that grounded in Lahaina Harbor on Monday.

PWF is working to identify which professional maritime salvage company it will use to conduct the removal operation.  “The state’s interest is to recommend best practices to minimize any potential resource damage to fragile aquatic resources, to make sure no fuel or other hazardous materials leak into the water, and to hold the boat’s owner accountable for any costs associated with environmental damage caused by the grounding or during this salvage operation,” according to Ed Underwood, DOBOR administrator.

DAR has an aquatic biologist on scene in Lahaina to monitor and assess reef damage. The division will conduct an in-water assessment of the area where the boat grounded, after it’s removed, to determine whether any damage occurred. The DOBOR Maui District Manager is also assisting in determining the best way to remove the boat and to minimize damage.

PWF has been working with all the agencies involved: DLNR, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Hawaii Dept. of Health.  Removal operations are expected to begin once the USCG approves a salvage plan and the weather permits.

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Remember This?

2014: Tourist Boats Operated by Anti-Superferry Activists Hitting More Baby Whales Than Ever

2014: Stung by Reports of Whale Collisions, Pacific Whale offers Feel-Good Seminar