Monk seals are mostly nocturnal feeders with a very diverse diet including eels, octopus, lobsters and fish. They come up onto land to rest, and to
give birth and nurse their young. They are very sensitive to human disturbance at their haul-out sites.

Mother monk seals nurse their pups on the beach for approximately 6 weeks and must not be disturbed. Although their total numbers are decreasing every year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, those monk seals born in the Main Hawaiian Islands are surviving better and need our continued vigilant protection.

> How HWF works to help Hawaiian Monk Seals

· Conducted research on Midway Atoll, 1997-2000
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund conducted monk seal research on Midway Atoll from 1997-2000 in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Our data have been used by the National Marine Fisheries Service to assist in the recovery of this unique and endangered species.

· Coordinated the Maui Monk Seal Watch, 1996-2007
In addition to teaching hundreds of visitors each year out in the “living classroom” about Hawai'i's monk seals, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund coordinated the Monk Seal Watch on the island of Maui, 1996-2007. When monk seals haul out onto the beach to rest, Monk Seal Watch volunteers place police tape around the area and stand by to educate the public, ensuring the animals are not harassed while they rest. This program is now coordinated by NOAA Fisheries, PIRO, contact Nicole Davis, Maui Marine Mammal Response Network Specialist at Nicole.Davis@noaa.gov. Volunteer support is more critical than ever as this species is declining in numbers ~5%/year. If you encounter a monk seal on the beach or want to volunteer, contact the hotline 808-292-2372 or email Nicole at PIFSC.monksealsighting@noaa.gov
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