# Approach Regulations for Humpback Whales in Waters Surrounding the Hawaiian Islands Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
> **Rule** · Final rule. · Published 2023-12-21 · Effective 2024-01-22 · 88 FR 88262
## Document
- **Document number:** 2023-28091
- **Category:** other
- **Region:** hawaii
- **Species:** humpback
- **Federal Register citation:** 88 FR 88262
- **Publication date:** 2023-12-21
- **Effective date:** 2024-01-22
- **NOAA docket:** Docket No. 231214-0303
## Abstract

NMFS issues this final rule "Approach Regulations for Humpback Whales in Waters Surrounding the Islands of Hawaii under the Marine Mammal Protection Act" under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This rule prohibits the "take" of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which means "to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal," within 200 nautical miles (nmi) (370.4 kilometers (km)) of the islands of Hawaii from the detrimental effects resulting from approach by humans.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/12/21/2023-28091/approach-regulations-for-humpback-whales-in-waters-surrounding-the-hawaiian-islands-under-the-marine)
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