What is a False Killer Whale?
Despite their name, false killer whales (FKW) are not whales at all—they’re actually part of the dolphin family. Known as blackfish, these sleek, intelligent marine mammals were named for their skull’s resemblance to that of true killer whales.
In the Hawaiian islands, they hold special significance. The insular population—those that live year-round around the main Hawaiian Islands—was listed as endangered in 2012. Today, fewer than 130 remain, and the population continues to decline by about 3% each year.
Why Are They at Risk?
Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) researchers have studied Hawai‘i’s false killer whales for over 20 years. Research shows their sightings have dropped dramatically, and the threats are clear:
- Fisheries bycatch – false killer whales often become hooked or entangled in longline fishing gear.
- Food competition – commercial fishing reduces the prey they depend on.
- Multiple stressors – more than 20 human-driven threats, from noise pollution to toxins, jeopardize their survival.
Why It Matters to Hawai‘i
False killer whales are more than just marine animals—they are ‘aumākua, ancestral guardians, deeply embedded in Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural heritage. In Hawaiian tradition, ‘aumākua connect families to the ocean, guiding and protecting future generations. The presence of these whales is not only biological but spiritual, carrying the wisdom of ancestors and the identity of these islands.
Their loss would not only be an ecological disaster, but also a cultural one. To watch them disappear is to risk losing a living guardian and a symbol of Hawai‘i itself.
Extinction is Forever—and with it, a piece of Hawai‘i’s identity, memory, and protection could vanish.
What Is Being Done
Pacific Whale Foundation is at the forefront of efforts to protect this endangered species by:
Conducting long-term monitoring and photo identification to track individual whales.
Using drones and underwater cameras to assess health, pregnancies, and social structures.
Collaborating with NOAA and partners to update population estimates and improve management.
Linking feeding success with threats to guide real-world conservation solutions.
For more than 30 years, collaborative research—through dorsal fin IDs, tagging data, and genetics—has uncovered how truly unique and interconnected Hawai‘i’s false killer whales are. We know who they are, where they travel, and even how their families are connected.
Yet knowledge alone cannot protect them. These dolphins face mounting threats:
Fisheries bycatch that hooks and entangles them,
Longline gear that puts entire pods at risk, and
Insufficient monitoring that leaves critical gaps in their protection.
Without stronger safeguards—such as electronic monitoring and tighter regulation of commercial fishing—extinction could arrive within our lifetimes.
Learn more about Pacific Whale Foundation’s ongoing research
How You Can Help
Every action counts—and your voice matters. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Support Pacific Whale Foundation’s research and conservation work to protect Hawai‘i’s false killer whales.
Sign the petition demanding stronger monitoring of Hawai‘i’s fishing industry to stop deadly bycatch.
Together, we can protect these rare dolphins and ensure future generations experience their beauty in Hawaiian waters.
