Hawaiʻi DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources — Protected Species Program
The Protected Species Program (PSP) is part of the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). We are responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing endangered and threatened marine animal species found in Hawaiian waters.
Our work spans public outreach and education, invasive predator management, pono (responsible) fishing advocacy, animal and habitat monitoring, marine debris removal, stranding response, and collaborative research with federal and academic partners.
Population surveys, health assessments, and nesting monitoring for monk seals, sea turtles, and pelagic species across all Hawaiian islands.
24/7 response to injured, entangled, or stranded marine wildlife via the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: 1-888-256-9840.
Community programs, school visits, volunteer coordination, and public awareness campaigns on safe wildlife viewing.
Managing ~$3.5M in active federal grants from NOAA, USFWS, and NFWF to fund conservation work across 6 islands.
Rapid response to marine debris events that threaten protected species habitat and safety.
Collaboration with University of Hawaiʻi, Cascadia Research Collective, and federal agencies on species recovery research.
0 staff across 6 Hawaiian islands — state employees and HCRI contract staff dedicated to protecting Hawaiʻi's marine wildlife.
Endangered Species Act (ESA) — 16 USC 1531-1544. Federal protection for endangered and threatened species. Prohibits “take” of listed species.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) — 16 USC 1361-1423. Protects all marine mammals from harassment, hunting, capture, and killing.
Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §195D — State law adopting federal ESA protections within Hawaiʻi's jurisdiction (3 nautical miles from shore).
Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules 13-124 — Additional state rules for conservation and management of indigenous wildlife.
Emergency — Marine Wildlife Hotline
1-888-256-9840
NOAA 24/7 hotline for injured, entangled, or stranded marine animals