Hawaiian Monk Seal Research
- Captive Care Project
- Research and Recovery
- Population Assessment and Field Camp
- Health and Disease
- Foraging Ecology
- Natural History
The goal of Hawaiian Monk Seal Research is to enhance the recovery of the highly endangered Hawaiian monk seal population. To reach this goal, staff scientiests :
- Monitor and assess the six main monk seal reproductive subpopulations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
- Study the ecology, biology, and natural history of the Hawaiian monk seal.
- Investigate and mitigate factors impeding the recovery of this pecies.
Research Focus
- Annual evaluation of the six primary populations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Researchers establish temporary field camps and assess Hawaiian monk seal abundance, age and sex composition, survival, reproduction, feeding habits, entanglement rates in marine debris, and other factors that may limit population growth.
- Translocation of weaned pups from locations with low survival rates at French Frigate Shoals to other sites in the atoll where the pups have a higher probability of survival .
- Removal of aggressive male monk seals causing mortality of adult females and juveniles of both sexes.
- Characterization of important monk seal foraging habitat and prey species Investigation of health and disease factors that may be limiting population growth.
- Removal of entangling marine debris from beaches and coral reefs and disentangling monk seals and other wildlife.
- Understanding low juvenile and pup survival.
Research activities are concentrated in three areas of Hawaiian monk seal biology: Population Assessment, Health and Disease, Foraging Ecology.
The Center's monk seal research program is designed to support recovery strategies described in the recently adopted Recovery Plan for the Hawaiian Monk Seal (pdf).
To learn more about monk seal research, please see the MMRP Brochure : Committed to the Conservation and Recovery of the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. (pdf)
Reporting Violations or Strandings
To report strandings (e.g., entangled or sick Hawaiian monk seals) or sightings ] (e.g., a sleeping Hawaiian monk seal on a beach) call the NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal 24-hour Hotline.
To report Hawaiian monk seal strandings, call (888) 256-9840
To report Hawaiian monk seal sightings, call (808) 220-7802 (Oahu), or click here for more information.
To report violations of the MMPA or ESA, call (808)541-2727 or (800)853-1964
Please visit the Office of Protected Resources Hawaii Marine Mammal Watch Website for more information on Hawaiian monk seal viewing guidelines.
- Do not disturb, feed, pursue, encourage, or otherwise approach seals. Seals are wild and may bite if disturbed.
- Seals need undisturbed rest on land—it is critical for their survival.
- Remain out of sight, if possible. Keep at least 100 feet away—more if encountering a mother and pup.
- Although monk seals may approach people, always move away to avoid interaction.
- Keep dogs away from seals.
- Contact with humans or dogs may transmit diseases; an epidemic could cause the seals' extinction.