The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding the public to maintain a safe distance from humpback whales that are migrating to the Hawaiian islands.

Humpback whale season is generally from November to May, with the peak of the season occurring during January and March. They come to Hawaii to mate, calve and nurse their young. They return to Alaska’s colder waters in the summer months to feed and rebuild their blubber supply.

Mariners are asked to keep boat speeds down when whales are in the area. The Coast Guard notes that a collision between a mariner and a 45-ton humpback whale can be catastrophic.

It is illegal to approach within 100 yards of a whale. Aircraft are also prohibited from flying with 1,000 feet of a whale.