Endangered Species

The Hawaiian Monk Seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi), is one of the most endangered species in the world. The population overall had been declining for six decades and current numbers, though increasing, are only about one-third of historic population levels. Importantly, however, the current upward trend is in part due to NOAA Fisheries recovery efforts. The population is estimated to be around 1,570 seals—nearly 1,200 seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and 400 seals in the main Hawaiian Islands.

Newborn monk seal pups are born black, while weaned pups and older seals are dark gray to brown on their back and light gray to yellowish brown on their belly.

Hawaiian monk seals live in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These small islands and atolls are either uninhabited or little used by humans. They are also surrounded by teeming coral reefs, which serve as great foraging grounds for skilled seals to swim and dive for fish, spiny lobsters, octopuses, and eels.

Go on an incredible journey with me to obtain an education in these adorable monk seals. They couldn't have picked a better spot for their home, the beautiful Northern Hawaiian Islands.