On our recent visit to Kauai, we were excited to see a Hawaiian Monk Seal resting on Poipu Beach. So, I wanted to show the photos that Andy took with a from a distance. (These photos were shot with a DLSR camera with the ability to zoom in for closer-appearing photos.)
Hawaiian monk seals are endangered species. If you are lucky enough to see one while on your vacation, please do not disturb or approach the seals. Not only is that pono (the right thing to do), it is also your legal responsibility.
When the seals come to shore they most likely resting. One of their predators is a shark. If you see a monk seal resting on a beach and you are tempted to approach it, don’t. Maybe it’s best to imagine that the seal is taking a break from escaping a hungry shark, maybe then you’ll be more inclined to respect the seal’s respite.
If you see a monk seal in Hawaii, you are encouraged to call (808) 983-5715 or contact the research program by e-mail. You are also encouraged to report strandings (e.g. entanglement or sick seals) by calling (888) 256-9840. If you see someone violating the guidelines for viewing a monk seal, please inform them of the rules. You can also snitch on them by calling (800)853-1964.
Here are the NOAA information and guidelines for observing Hawaiian monk seals:
- Do not disturb, feed, pursue, encourage, or otherwise approach seals. Seals are wild and may bite if disturbed.
- Seals need undisturbed rest on land it is critical for their survival.
- Remain out of sight, if possible. Keep at least 150 feet away more if encountering a mother and pup or 50 feet away if encountering a solo seal.
- Although monk seals may approach people, always move away to avoid interaction.
- Keep dogs away from seals.
- Contact with humans or dogs may transmit diseases; an epidemic could cause the seals’ extinction.
Sheila Beal
4 comments
They had this monk seal roped off. Fortunately, I was able to zoom to 200mm on my camera, so that helped get what look like really close pictures. 🙂
My husband noticed a monk seal that washed up on shore of Baby Beach in Maui today. Before he had the chance to instruct his kids on the do’s and do not’s, my kids ran ahead of us. Two locals screamed at my kids and threatened to ‘cut their heads off’ if my kids touched it, etc. inasmuch as I understand their angst, it would have been more appropriate to calmly tell the kids about their endangered animal instead of scaring them, which accomplishes nothing. We l need to respect each other and I got the feeling they thought we were stupid tourists-get a handle on your children lady- really? Don’t go there with me- i could go on and on, but simply act like an adult and stop getting wasted on a beach aptly named for children. Oh and grow up, too. Aloha and malaho.
they are very cute things. it looks like they are smiling at you ??
Went to Aulani 3 years ago but didn’t like the populated beach, so we walked down the street to a smaller beach. While we were in the water, a monk seal popped up in the water about 5 feet away to take a big breath. It was too fast to be scared, but I will never forget it. Amazing.