Photo Credit: Alexandre Lauder
The Hawaiian monk seal is a species in crisis. There are currently fewer than 1,100 seals remaining and their numbers continue to decline by 4% per year. The challenges they face are numerous including shark predation, human disturbance and habituation, fishery interactions, habitat loss, entanglement in marine debris, infectious disease, and even intentional killings. If the current population trends aren’t reversed, the population is expected to slip below 1,000 within the next few years.
Photo Credit: Bazza Duck
Key Facts about the Hawaiian Monk Seal:
- The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the most endangered species in the world
- They are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and exist nowhere else in the world
- Habitat covers 1,240 miles from the Northwest Hawaiian Islands to the main Hawaiian Islands
- The Hawaiian name is ‘Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which translates to dog running in the rough seas
- Monk Seals are the oldest species of seals on the planet
Photo Credit: Darren MacDaniel
The Maui Darren‘s Top Five things you can do to help:
1.) Let ’em be! Give ’em space (100′ or more), use a zoom.
2.) Call it in 808.292.2372 on Maui!
3.) Educate. Endangered!
4.) Be the Champion. Spread the Word!
5.) Volunteer, Donate!
Photo Credit: Bazza Duck
Photo Credit: Mark Goldberg
MONK SEAL SIGHTING HOTLINES
Kauai: (808) 651-7668
Molokai: (808) 553-5555
Maui & Lanai: (808) 292-2372
East Hawaii: (808) 756-5961
West Hawaii: (808) 987-0765
Photo Credit: Bazza Duck
