This project has opened my eyes to these beautiful, cute, Hawaiian natives. We as humans can do so many things to help these wonderful creatures from going extinct. Not only are these monk seals harmed by humans and other predators of the sea, dogs and cats invading their beaches can be fatal to these seals as well. There have been many reports that dogs have inflicted serious injuries on the seals that are resting on the beach. They should be kept on a leash at all times to help prevent hurting or killing these animals. Cats should be kept indoors, their feces carry a dangerous parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is lethal to the seals and has been known to kill quite a few of them in the past several years.

What’s being done to help?

Public outreach and education are making a positive difference in stabilizing and raising monk seal populations changing the attitudes and behaviors of the public as well as educating commercial fishing and development ventures about the dangers of nets, hooks, runoff, and dumping are fundamental to successfully stabilizing the monk seal populations.

You can help, directly or indirectly: for example, if you’re on a beach where there are seals, most experts recommend staying at least 50 feet away from the animals to avoid stressing them. Fun fact: all marine mammals in the United States are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harassing, feeding, or approaching marine mammals in the wild.

You can also help by making choices that prevent marine debris no matter where you live! These choices can include refusing single-use plastic water bottles, recycling, properly disposing of fishing lines, using reusable shopping bags, or picking up trash that you see on the ground.

Outreach by volunteer organizations patrolling beaches, rescuing and rehabilitating animals, and removing debris have also helped monk seal populations, especially around the main islands.

Hawaiian monk seals are a long way from being ready to leave the critically endangered list. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to protecting Hawaiian monk seals and other endangered marine species, helping them to again thrive in an environment free from habitat loss and harm. To learn more about these amazing animals and recovery efforts, visit NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service.