Kauai Monk Seal Watch Program

Hawaiian monk seals are among the most ancient species of pinnipeds in the world, and they have lived only in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands for millions of years. They predominately live and breed in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with the largest population around the French Frigate Shoals, hundreds of miles from civilization. These remote islands and atolls, mostly uninhabited by humans, provide the privacy the monk seals need to survive. However, their numbers are dwindling.

The entire population of Hawaiian monk seals is currently 1,100 seals, with the number declining by four percent every year. The good news is that a smaller population of seals on the main Hawaiian islands is growing and thriving. Over the past few years, there have been twenty or more seals born in the main Hawaiian islands every year. Even though the main Hawaiian islands have a much larger human population, the seals are doing better there because it seems they don’t have as much competition for food, or as many predators.

The Kaua‘i Monk Seal Watch Program is a nonprofit organization whose funding is entirely used to heighten monk seal awareness. They educate visitors in resorts, as well as more than 10,000 students on Kaua‘i and Moloka‘i. The presentations are approximately 50 minutes long and illustrate the important role the marine mammals play in Hawai‘i’s natural ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on marine debris issues. Their bottom line is that education instills knowledge, and knowledge is the key to preserving Hawaiian monk seals.

• Stay well behind barricades or signs placed around a basking seal, and at least 150 feet from seals in unmarked areas.
• Maintain a much greater distance from a mother and pup, or any seal that appears disturbed or agitated.
• Pass outside barricades, or above an unbarricaded seal, not between the seal and the shoreline.
• Never approach or attempt to feed a seal – on the beach, while swimming, or from a boat.
• View quietly. Do not throw sand, stones, objects, or make noise to induce movement and create photo ops.
• All marine wildlife. Seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales require distance, quiet, and respect for proper viewing.
• Photograph seals from the proper distance and never use flash photography in their presence.
• Advise children of proper behavior. An agitated 400 to 600 pound animal could bite or cause other serious injury.
• Report any seal harassment at the beach, in the water, or from a boat operator to the Kaua`i Marine Conservation Coordinator at 651-7668.
• State and federal laws for harassment or disturbance of a Hawaiian Monk Seal can incur fines exceeding $25,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment.