If you run across one of our Hawaiian monk seals on the beach, please remember to observe these recommended viewing guidelines from NOAA Fisheries:
1. Keep a safe distance. For seals, that’s a minimum of 30 feet, but each seal’s response will be different and moms with pups might need a much greater distance. Specifically, do not chase, closely approach, surround, feed, swim with, or attempt to touch marine wildlife. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to assure a good view from the recommended distances.
2. In the ocean, monk seals may exhibit inquisitive behavior. Do not attempt to approach these seals or “play” with them. The seals may misinterpret your actions and could cause serious injury. Cautiously swim back to shore or your boat and watch them from a safe distance.
3. Do not attempt to push seals back into the water.
4. Use extra caution in the vicinity of mothers and young and in other sensitive wildlife habitat used for feeding, nursing, resting or avoiding predators.
5. For your safety and their protection, never entice marine wildlife to approach you.
6. Be careful not to surprise marine wildlife. Loud noises and abrupt movements can startle and stress wildlife, which can react unpredictably, harming themselves or you. Disturbing wildlife interrupts their ability to perform critical functions such as feeding, breeding, nursing, resting or socializing.
7. When in the presence of monk seals, please remember to keep your pet on a leash at all times in order to protect against injury and the transmission of disease between seals and pets.
You can help, too.
1. Whenever you come across seals on the beach, report sightings by calling 808-651-7668—but do not approach or disturb them;
2. Learn about monk seals and their need for protected habitat;
3. Help control marine debris; dispose of rubbish carefully; reduce, reuse, recycle.
