Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation | The Marine Mammal Center

With over 45 years of experience working with marine mammals, our efforts in Hawai‘i are critical to saving this endangered species.

Researchers estimate about 30 percent of Hawaiian monk seals are alive today directly due to conservation efforts. This life-saving work is possible thanks to support from compassionate people like you.

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What's Happening?

Unfortunately, many Hawaiian monks seals on the main Hawaiian Islands fall victim to negative human interaction, such as harassment or even intentional killing. While many people are good intentioned, approaching seals on the beach for photos or a closer look, or trying to feed them can result in stress and disruptions to wild behaviors. Moms and pups are especially vulnerable during the nursing period and can easily be separated by people or dogs approaching them.

Hawaiian monk seals suffer from very high rates of entanglement in ocean trash and fishing gear, as well as ingestion of fishing hooks. Despite living in relatively remote areas, significant amounts of trash and lost fishing gear accumulate in Hawaiian waters as a result of ocean currents. Monk seals are incredibly curious creatures and can find themselves in life-threatening situations when interacting with trash.

Sea level rise is due to both the melting of land ice and thermal expansion (the process in which warm water expands). In Hawaiʻi, where the islands are very low lying, endangered Hawaiian monk seals have already lost an estimated 50 percent of their historic breeding beaches to rising seas.

With increased erosion and intensity of storms, such as hurricanes, we have seen substantial habitat loss over the last few years, and sea level rise over an extended period of time could greatly threaten monk seals on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, where the majority of the population resides.

Malnutrition is one of the biggest threats to monk seals, especially the younger animals. With warming water temperatures and changes in prey numbers, monk seals find themselves competing with many different animals for a dwindling food supply.

This problem is especially evident in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands where declining prey availability has led to increased competition amongst the large predators, such as seals, large jacks and sharks.

Researchers have started using crittercams to better understand the behavior and feeding habits of monk seals around the main Hawaiian Islands, hopefully shedding a light on the complex food web and interactions with people.

As mammals, Hawaiian monk seals face many of the same diseases as people. Given their isolation on the Hawaiian Islands, monk seals are particularly vulnerable as they do not have many antibodies to diseases commonly found in other parts of the world.

Toxoplasmosis, a parasite that originates in cat feces and can make its way into waterways through feral cats or flushing cat litter down the toilet, has become an emerging threat to endangered monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands over the last few years. Once it infects a monk seal, the result is typically lethal. The single biggest thing you can do to help is support keeping cats in Hawai‘i inside.

Morbillivirus, a member of the measles family, is also a potential threat given the risk of a viral outbreak amongst the monk seal population. Morbillivirus has caused massive die-offs of marine mammals around the world, including dolphins on the East Coast of the United States and harbor seals in Europe.

While morbillivirus has been observed in the Pacific Island region, there has not been a reported case of it with Hawaiian monk seals yet. Given the high risk, a first-of-its-kind vaccination protocol has been undertaken to be proactive in protecting this endangered species from harm.

How You Can Help

You can take action in your daily life and community to help save this endangered species, no matter where you live.

Hawaiian monk seals are a rare sight and quite charismatic, but they are negatively impacted by the presence of humans. If you see one in the wild, it's important that you give them space. Keeping your distance is for their safety – and your safety!

Your tips for safe Hawaiian monk seal viewing:

Draw a line in the sand! Keep a large distance from seals on the beach or in the water.
Stay behind signs and ropes.
Use your zoom – no #sealfies allowed!
If the animal(s) is looking at you or has changed their behavior, you’re too close.
Report your sighting by calling our hotline on Hawai‘i Island at 808-987-0765 or on Maui at 808-292-2372.
Spread the word - tell your friends and other onlookers why it’s important to keep their distance.
Download these tips to reference later

The burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil and natural gas, is the primary cause of climate change. Local actions can have a global impact and help protect Hawaiian monk seal habitat.

Sign up for renewable energy through a Community Choice Aggregation, or install solar panels on your home or business
Support local businesses that use eco-friendly packaging
Set up composting to reduce methane production in landfills
Download these tips to reference later

Regardless of where you live, we are all connected by one ocean. Unfortunately, trash and especially single-use plastics are getting into the ocean and are a big threat to monk seal safety. Luckily, alternatives exist to eliminate plastic and help protect people and animals from harm.

Skip single-use plastic bottles and utensils (such as plates, straws, silverware, etc.)
Participate in local beach and waterway cleanups
Conduct a plastic audit at home or work to see what plastic you use and what you might be able to avoid
Download these tips to reference later

Taking Action at The Marine Mammal Center

The endangered Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest seal species in the world, and conservation efforts are critical to their survival. Through direct animal care, community outreach, education and response, our dedicated staff and volunteers in Hawai‘i are working to save a species.

On Hawai‘i Island, we operate the only hospital dedicated to Hawaiian monk seals, Ke Kai Ola. Our team of experts relies on the Center’s many years of experience in marine mammal medicine and health to treat monk seals so they can be released back to the wild.

The Marine Mammal Center is the lead responder for Hawaiian monk seals on Hawai‘i Island, and we operate a hotline for reporting monk seal sightings. Every sighting reported provides valuable information to researchers, and our response teams are ready to respond if an animal needs emergency care.

Conservation starts with education and outreach. That's why our educators focus on inspiring students to become marine science enthusiasts. Our education programs in Hawai‘i connect students with science and stewardship, and provide professional development for classroom teachers.

Interested in having our staff participate in an upcoming community event you're hosting on Hawai‘i Island? Tell us more about your request.

We also work with organizations in Hawai‘i to support fishing communities in a transition to barbless hooks, a fishing method that drastically reduces the risk of damage if a Hawaiian monk seal becomes hooked.

Explore Our Hawai‘i Education Programs

an educator from The Marine Mammal Center holds up an image of a baby monk seal while on the beach

Nā Kōkua o ke Kai | Hawaiʽi

Monk Seal Moʻolelo | Hawaiʽi

Seal Stories | Virtual Program

Volunteer With Us

None of our work is possible without the support of people like you. Volunteer roles are available in animal care and education on Hawai‘i Island, and in response on both Hawai‘i Island and Maui.

Learn More

Take Our Virtual Tour

Hawaiian monk seals are one of the rarest seal species in the world, and most people will never have a chance to see one in the wild.

On our virtual tour, you’ll have the chance to visit Ke Kai Ola, our dedicated hospital for Hawaiian monk seals, and travel throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago to see monk seals in their natural environment. You’ll also discover ways you can help conserve Hawaiian monk seals no matter where you live in the world.

Take the ‘Ohana Challenge by downloading our family-friendly activity guide and participating in three challenges at home to deepen your family’s commitment to ocean conservation.

Virtual Tour

Hawai‘i Virtual Tour ‘Ohana Challenge

Explore More Online Learning Resources

Created by the Center’s award-winning educators, these virtual activities and curriculum materials help guide youth of all ages to learn more about marine mammal health, science and conservation.

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Online Learning Resource

Stewardship Saturday: Tourism & Wildlife

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Online Learning Resource

Understanding Endangered

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Online Learning Resource

Aloha ʻĀina

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Online Learning Resource

Mālama i nā ʻĪlioholoikauaua

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Online Learning Resource

Marine Mammal Monday: Saving Species

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Online Learning Resource

Stewardship Saturday: Ocean Optimism

Learn About Our Other Conservation Programs

whale feeding with oil rig in background

Climate Change

harbor seal pup with a fish in its mouth

Sustainable Seafood

Hawaiian monk seal tangled in fishing gear

Ocean Trash

humpback whale breaching in front of San Francisco

Cetacean Conservation

Mahalo Nui Loa to Our Supporters and Partners

Mahalo nui loa to our many foundation, business and individual supporters in Hawai`i and off island. And special thanks to NOAA, the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Regional Office and the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Team for their critical support and partnership.

A Kuleana Green Business

The Marine Mammal Center is a member of the Kuleana Green Businesses, a program that promotes ethical business practices and environmental stewardship throughout Hawai`i. Program members understand their kuleana (right and responsibility) to generate positive impacts in their social and natural environments.

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