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Hawaii is considered to be the "Endangered Species Capital of the World" with more than 317 plants and animal species that are endangered per sq. mile than anywhere else in the world. The most endangered mammal that is on the endangered species list is the HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL and every day there is something on our local news stations about these precious creatures.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal usually lives around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (i.e. Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll, French Frigate Shoals etc.) and because they are uninhabited and remote and very little human presence it is the perfect place to live for these easily disturbed creatures.
Where the population of the Monk Seal used to be high, it has decreased 11% per year since 1989 and is the MOST endangered marine mammal in the United States. One of the main factors for their decrease in population is contributed to discarded fish nets and lines that the monk seals get entagled in. Another contributing factor is that the Laysan and Lisianski male seals are attacking the females and the deaths are up to 10 to 11 seals on Laysan alone which is 4% of the island's populations.
Conservation Efforts:
- The efforts are overseen by the National Marine Fisheries Service and other private, government and universities.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages many remote islands as National Wildlife Refuges to protect their habitat
- They continuously monitor monk seal reproduction
- Monitor survival techniques and their behavior
- Volunteer groups remove leftover debri and discarded fishing nets/lines from the ocean and beaches
- The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy lend a hand in the remote areas as well.
Lately, the Hawaiian Monk Seal has been seen around our main Hawaiian Islands. About 120 now live around our main islands and on our island of Oahu they are frequently seen around the western side by Kaena Point. On our KGMB news this evening NOAA Marine Mammal Response Coordinator, David Schofield said while he's documenting the mammals he tries hard not to disrupt them. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act it is considered a violation and called "harassment" if you are walking along the beach and a Monk Seal lifts its head and vocalizes or retreats into the water because you disrupted it. WOW.
More on the KGMB 9 news story: Preserving Monk Seal Populations
Because of the crisis that the endangered species is now facing the NOAA will be signing a new recovery plan during a ceremony at the Waikiki Aquarium, August 22, 2007 and it is the first change in the plan since 1983. The Monk Seal's population is estimated at 1,200 and they are estimating it will drop to 1,000 within the next three to four years.
They were listed as an endangered species in 1976 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Critical habitat was designated in 1988 from beaches to a depth of 20 fathoms (120 feet) around the northwestern Hawaiian islands............The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
.................And now the Hawaiian Monk Seal in a critical endangered species category facing extinction.
Everyone can help by:
- Respecting the privacy of the seal.
- Stay at least 150 feet away from the seal
- Keep dogs on a leash so they do not disrupt or attack seals.
- Fishing seal friendly
- Report all monk seal sightings by calling NOAA hotline numbers. (Oahu call 220-7802; Neighbor Islands call toll free 888-256-9840)
All Those Years Ago.....George Harrison
Hear them shouting all about love
While they treated you like a dog
When you were the one who had made it
so clear
All those years ago.
Hear them talking all about how to give
They don't act with much honesty
But you point the way to the truth when you say
All you need is love.
Living with good and bad
I always looked up to you
Now we're left cold and sad
By someone the devil's best friend
Someone who offended all.
We're living in a bad dream
They've forgotten all about mankind
And you were the one they backed up to
the wall
All those years ago
You were the one who Imagined it all
All those years ago.
Deep in the darkest night
I send out a prayer to you
Now in the world of light
Where the spirit free of the lies
And all else that we despised.
They've forgotten all about God
He's the only reason we exist
Yet you were the one that they said was
so weird
All those years ago
You said it all though not many had ears
All those years ago
You had control of our smiles and our tears
All those years ago
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2011 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Sally, Is there any reason as to why the males are attacking the females? Is this something new or has it always been that way?
Missy: I don't know about Atlanta (they may have Caribbean monk seal over there huh?) having Hawaiian Monk Seals but our Waikiki Aquarium has a couple. They're so cute aren't they?
My goodness. Don't you just want to give that big old guy a hug?? But, I'll stay 150 feet away, promise.
The flora and fauna in Hawaii wildlife is a national treasure and should be left alone. But, it won't happen. The body human has to stick it's grubby hands in everything. Especially if there are a few bucks involved.
What will happen to preserve Hawaii treasures? Depends on what interest group contributes to what cause the most. Am I jaded, You betcha.
Hawaii folks are probably more concious of preservation than most.
Good for you.
Thanks Lenn...but you are 100% correct. When I wrote about preservation I had a developer's assistant calling me and emailing me info on what they're going to do...even with Cousteau's son involved ...I didn't hear anything else after I wrote a part 2 because I told her I was not picking sides. How could I? I love Hawaii...yet I sell "RESALES". I guess that's not the same. I have not even sold a NEW home as I was struck from the beginning how lame their process is....especially over here. ....and some agents think they don't have to do anything once it's in contract. Oops...got off the subject.
In any case....preservation is crucial as we only have so much land. I believe in building and selling homes although there will most likely be a limit one day...we can't have the whole island as buildable land. It won't happen I should say.
Sally,
How precious they are adorable, but amazing that they are near extinction. Good information! :)
Sally,
I enjoyed the video :) You have peaked my curiosity, I'm trying to see where I need to go to find the seals around here. I know they have been spotted but I have never seen them....see what you started. LOL!
Suzanne: If you have an aquarium around your area they most definitely would have seals....don't know about Hawaiian Monk Seals though.
Laurie: I think these are the most lovable looking creatures....too bad they're get disturbed so easily...most likely because they are all they know.
Sally, I so hate "net fishing" for reasons like this. I hope that they are able to start bring the Monk Seal numbers back. "Net fishing" endangers so many of our sea life, like the Northern Right Whale (numbers are around 350). Something needs to be done now, not tomorrow, to stop the decline of our sea creatures.
Lysa: Our "honu" sea turtles are part of the endangered species as well....
Chris: I think everywhere we go there are people who are way more involved than I am with protecting land, environment, animals and plants. You know? Did you listen to the music? That was "back in the day".
I think these big guys were at the resort we stayed at in Kauai ... the Marriott in I think it was Pouipou... It was amazing.... the was a roped off section on the beach that this beautiful creature came to shore i guess everyday... and basically chilled. I suppose back int he water at night or whatever their cycle is... I know I have some great photos of this too............ geez Sally you're always making me go digging' for stuff.
Hey Sally, it's soo cute! It sounds like Hawaii is doing everything in their power. I wish net fishing could go away...it is so bad for the wildlife when they leave them in the water. That is so sad!
My daughter needs to go to college over there or something. Her goal in life is to keep marine animals from extinction. She has a passion for the environement.
I would like to add to your list of what we can do: Buy only fish that have been safe caught. He is so cute! I love seals! They are adorable. When we go to Sea World in Orlando, my son wants to spend all day feeding the seals there. Thank you for such a good localism post about endangered animals in Hawaii. Katerina
Katerina: The Hawaiian Monk Seal seems to have a rounder snout and head and makes them appear more babylike don't you think? Thanks for popping by!
George: I would love to see a bald eagle. We watch stuff on Animal Planet, National Geographic and Discovery Channel and once in awhile I'll see..hmm...I just saw a commercial and it had a whole bunch of em...
Sally,
We have harbor seals here in Buzzards Bay and they can be spotted mid October to early may. Sometimes they are seen hanging out on the rocks, I will be looking for them this year. :)
Suzanne: check this out for Buzzards Bay:
http://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/wwd/education/teacher-resources.htm
Sally,
Now that looks interesting, thanks for the link! :)
Joan: Come visit me!
Suzanne: Sure thing...the internet is full of stuff...at a click.
Sally,
Dummy me, I did not even no the Islands had seals. I saw the seals at the wharf in San Francisco. That was the first time I saw them so close. I am a firm believer in keeping all areas populated with the species that are unique to that area. I think it is great that many people have a passion to perserve that.
Beautiful post, Sally, I rated this a 5 and hope it continues to crop up at AR.
With the advent of ocean going cruises, the oceans rapidly became toxic waste dumping grounds. I can't help but believe that part of the reason for the Monk Seal's decline may be attributed to the fact that their main food, fish, is increasingly contaminated. As a mammal ingests toxins through the food that it eats, the reproductive organs are affected and productivity drops down. This is also seen in humans with the human male's sperm count steadily decreasing in the modern world.
Here in Canada we have the white Beluga Whale who is undergoing the same kind of decline and is near extinction. It is currently rated as the most toxic living animal....kind of a living toxic waste dump.
Thank you for posting about one of our fellow creatures who may soon no longer be with us. Have you ever read this poem ? It is my favourite~
For A Coming Extinction by W.S. Merwin
Jo
Sally~
As I read your post this morning, I was reminded of a lesson my Grandfather taught me...pay attention to the road behind you and the road ahead..." Stewardship is a path that requires focused attention, as you point out.
Sally, there is poetry in your soul. Thank you for this post.
Mike in Tucson
Thesa: Take pictures and share! I love when you do shows like the deer guys.
Jo: Eww...they didn't mention that so I hope that's not the case in our waters!
Phil: I'm learning and not all involved like some...but these guys just tore at my heart strings.....another news piece on the news last night.
janeAnne: And it is. And I will keep those words of your Grandfather as a gentle reminder in my memory bank.
Mike: I used to write a lot of poetry....it turned to blogging!
Diane: The video was just a you tube of George Harrison. They are soooo cute.
Sally... first off, the picture is cute. I just hope you didn't get to close if you took that picture. I hope you used a zoom lense. ;o) Overall, some very interesting information. I like driving around and seeing the seals hanging out on rocks along shorelines. I first saw this when I was on the California coast visiting.
Susie: Aww....those seals are cute!
Jeff...that's right
Well, another fantastic article! You are so-o good!
I get so angry when I see documentaries of the fishing boats from other countries ignoring international laws or doing the net fishing. The US isn't blameless when it comes to caring for wildlife or animals - hence the people coming to Michael Vick's defense. We've got to take better care of our animals if we - as humans - want a future.
Sally - I don't know what is more amazing - your ability to write about Hawaaii or the fact "you" shine through in all your posts.
Everyone wants a piece of the land with no thought to the natural habitat they endanger. The seals need a voice and you have been their voice today!