This endangered marine mammal is found only in Hawaii. Fewer than 1,400 seals live and breed on the coral shoals and atolls of the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian monk seal is protected by Federal and State laws. Cooperative research programs seek to aid the recovery of the species. Research at the Waikiki Aquarium helps scientists understand challenges to monk seal survival.
Human activities can have great impact on Hawaiian monk seal survival.
Seals may become entangled in marine debris like fishing nets or discarded plastics. International agreements aim to reduce the amount of this dangerous trash. Report monk seal sightings, but don t approach or disturb seals. Learn about monk seals and their need for protected habitat. If you were using a Java-enabled browser, you would see a continuously updating image instead of this paragraph.