Hawaiian Monk Seal Research

The Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP) works to enhance the recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal by studying their biology, ecology and natural history. The HMSRP monitors and assesses the six main monk seal reproductive subpopulations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) as well as the increasing subpopulation in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). In addition, the HMSRP investigates threats to Hawaiian monk seal survival and works to mitigate factors impeding the species recovery. More...

News and Highlights

• February 7, 2012
  

  NOAA Fisheries removes aggressive monk seal KE18 from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

  On Sunday, January 29, an adult male Hawaiian monk seal known as KE18 was carefully removed from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands where his aggressive behavior had caused serious injury to young seals and posed a threat to their survival. KE18 was transported to Honolulu on a U.S. Coast Guard C-130. He will temporarily reside at the Waikiki Aquarium while officials continue to evaluate other options. More...
• October 1, 2011
  

  Field Season Ends for Hawaiian Monk Seal Research and Population Monitoring

  The 2011 summer field season has drawn to a close with notable progress made in research to assess the status of Hawaiian monk seals throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago and actions to enhance recovery of the highly endangered species. More ...
• August 23, 2011
  

  Attempt to lethally remove aggressive monk seal at Kure Atoll unsuccessful

  A team of researchers attempting to lethally remove a problematic male monk seal from the population at Kure Atoll abandoned the effort as the seal remained out of reach. More ...
• June 1, 2011
  

  Monk Seal Research Winter Camps Concluded, Spring/Summer Camps Underway in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

  In mid-March 2011, scientists in the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program completed studies at winter field camps in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). More ...

Recent Staff Publications

• April 02, 2012

  Effectiveness of an antihelminthic treatment in improving the body condition and survival of Hawaiian monk seals

  Gobush KS, Baker JD, Gulland FMD
  [2011] Endangered Species Research 15: 29-37. DOI: 10.3354/esr00364

  View Abstract
• October 18, 2011

  The Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, 2004

  Johanos TC, Baker JD (comps. and eds.)
  [2011] U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-PIFSC-28, 112 p. + Appendices

  Download ( 2.6 MB PDF )
• September 28, 2011

  Recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi): A review of conservation efforts, 1972 to 2010, and thoughts for the future

  Lowry LF, Laist DW, Gilmartin WG, Antonelis GA
  [2011] Aquatic Mammals 37(3): 397-419. DOI: 10.1578/AM.37.3.2011.397

  View Abstract
• September 28, 2011

  Evaluation of the captive care and post-release behavior and survival of seven juvenile female Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi)

  Norris TA, Littnan CL, Gulland FMD
  [2011] Aquatic Mammals 37(3): 342-353. DOI: 10.1578/AM.37.3.2011.342

  View Abstract
• September 28, 2011

  Short Note: The first successful hand-rearing of a neonate Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) and post-release management challenges

  Schofield TD, Levine G, Gulland FMD, Littnan CL, Colitz CMH
  [2011] Aquatic Mammals 37(3): 354-359. DOI: 10.1578/AM.37.3.2011.354

  View Abstract
• September 27, 2011

  Short Note: Hawaiian monk seals at Kure Atoll: Some life history effects following efforts to enhance pup survival

  Gilmartin WG, Johanos TC, DeMaster DP, Henderson JR
  [2011] Aquatic Mammals 37(3): 326-331. DOI: 10.1578/AM.37.3.2011.326

  View Abstract