The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says ten-thousand whales make their way to Hawaii each year. A sight many turn out to see.

But, images like this do not make a pretty picture.

"You'll see some animals that have propeller wounds on their side," says David Schofield, Marine Mammal Response Coordinator.

Damage from a collision with a boat. And it's not the first.

"So the past two seasons we've had six reported collisions each season and we're up to two already this season," says Jeffrey Walters, National Marine Sanctuary.

Two in the month of January alone. One off the Kona Coast the other off Waikiki.

"In both cases there was an interaction with small tour boats and whales in one case we're pretty sure it may have been a young whale, like this years calf," says Schofield.

Tour boats, NOAA won't name...but are investigating.

"So until those investigations are complete we really don't need to give the details, we shouldn't give the details," says Walters.

"If it is a boater out there being reckless they need to be fined or warned or educated," says Jon Jepson, Makani Captain.

And not just tour boats, fishermen as well. This season, two whales have been tangled in fishing line in Hawaiian waters. With six cases of this same thing happening last year.

For Captain Jepson...education is the only way to stop this from happening again.

"Even knowing when whale season is, and just slowing down in the whale concentrated areas, I think that's a good start. It's a beautiful, beautiful thing but you do have to respect their space."

NOAA is investigating both tour boat companies and talking to passengers onboard to determine what happened.

There is no word yet on any possible penalties they will face.

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