1/25/2017 GOOD NEWS! Hawaiian Monk Seal Population Rises to 1400 !

As many of you may have heard this wonderful news.... here is the link to Hawaii News Now!


http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/34338127/endangered-hawaiian-monk-seal-population-rises-to-1400

And here is the official Link from NOAA Fisheries Pacific Island Office

http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/stories/01242017_year_of_the_monk_seal.html

Re-Visit Originally published in 2013 - Critter Cam

How To Spot A Hawaiian Monk Seal

This has to go down as one of my all time favs !  Thank you Adrian Jelffs for sharing your daughter's art work with the rest of us !!!  

A Message from our Sponsors

Aloha Good People This very wonderful public service announcement (PSA) aired this evening during the Merrie Monarch... as you can see it is available on you tube and here is the link to the website along with a link to the sponsoring organizations.  http://www.alohakanaloacoalition.org


 MAHALO for your support and please feel free to share.  ~da blog lady~

9-12-11 Hawaiian Monk Seals in the News

For anyone who didn't attend this evenings meeting OR missed the news here is the link to the story.  I know this is a hot topic.... and I am sure you all KNOW where I stand.... but one gentlemen suggested we let nature take it's course... Really?  We (humans) have been interfering with nature for so long now we have no clue what course nature would take.... and if this was the case, do we stop treating illnesses?   I don't understand why people wouldn't want to give a species a chance to survive.... okay I step off my soapbox  ~da blog lady~


http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/15447309/researchers-want-to-bring-hawaiian-monk-seals-closer-to-main-islands

Hawaii Teams Rescue Monk Seals - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu

In case you missed this evening news story.... I thought KITV did the best job covering the story... they took the time to explain the situation and used the proper terminology... KUDOS to KITV..... I know they are fans of our beloved monk seals... so it's refreshing to see the whole story.


Oh and Dr. Charles looked great giving us the facts... nothing but the facts.  :-)

Hawaii Teams Rescue Monk Seals - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu

Toxoplasmosis - Article from Scientific America

SCIENTIFIC AMERICA (article)  Please read: 


Cat Disease Threatens Endangered Monk Seals

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=cat-disease-threatens-endangered-monk-seals

congrats to Barb's picture of Kermit being part of the article.... way to go Barbara!

A Privilege to See

Aloha monk seal supporters....  please enjoy this very special youtube video about the Hawaiian monk seal and the Hawaiian culture. I think it pretty much says it all... simply put it's a privilege to see.

Senate Bill 2441/SDI

Aloha Good People

Volunteer Dana put together this information regarding Senate Bill 2441 which will protect endangered species and make the harm or killing of them a felony crime.  Dana was kind enought to write a sample letter which you can edit and put into your own words... Having gone through this process before YOUR LETTERS DO MATTER!!! So please take a moment and send them your voice.

I've written a quickie letter that anyone/everyone is welcome to use to fax or email to the Senate Sergant at arms. I was told by aides and "others" that faxes are more visual and work better than emails, but for those who want to do emails the address is:

JGOTestimony@Capitol.hawaii.gov

These letters should be in before Wednesday, 11:00AM. Please get as many as possible to these respective Senators so that they know the importance of passing this crucial protection for all endangered species.
Mahalo,
Dana

Senate Sergeant-At-Arms
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY &GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Chair
Senator Dwight Y. Takamine, Vice Chair
586-6659 fax


RE: SB 2441, SD1


Aloha Senators,
I am writing to ask for your support and subsequent passing of the above bill. As a volunteer for saving the Hawaiian Monk Seal and believer in protecting all species, it is most important that we get this billing passed, with no delays.

The volunteers and the scientists are all-aware of the downward spiral of the monk seals and are doing everything possible to protect and preserve the few animals we have left.

There isn’t a lot of time to save these creatures. Any delays or deferments in passing laws, is crucial to saving the entire species. Harsher prosecution in the takes and killings of these animals is needed to stop the killing of the harmless creatures we have left dwelling on our islands, trying to survive.

The birth of pups on the Main Hawaiian Islands in 2009 was offset by the 4 killings of animals in 2009. A pregnant seal within a week of birth shot. A $25.00 fine and a few days in jail. The law did not protect these 4 animals and a Class C felony charge would give a lawbreaker a moment to think about the consequences of such unnecessary actions against innocent and endangered creatures. That one female seal could have helped the population with about 16 to 20 pups in her lifetime. We lost more than a mom and baby that day. We lost another chance to turn the decline around.

Volunteers and taxpayers that care about the environment and Hawaii’s fragile eco-system and the creatures that are part of that system, thank you for your consideration in passing this most important bill. The endangered species of our Islands do not have time for delay.

Mahalo nui loa,

Kau'ai Garden Isle News Story

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/06/19/news/kauai_news/doc4a3b4ab4398e8857428273.txt
(can't say I am thrilled with the comments left after this article, but not worth engaging in that insanity.)


Also on KHON2 news a special about Ni'ihau special series, this link talks about conservation and mentions the monk seals...
http://www.khon2.com/mostpopular/story/KHON2-Exclusive-Ni-ihau-the-Forbidden-Island-Part/JwR2vvAE_0qa9LRkKwK1Ag.cspx

enjoy!

Memorial Service on Kauai

aloha good people

Here is a link to the news coverage of the memorial service held on Kauai for the two seals that were shot in the past month. I am sure there will be some additional coverage and when it becomes available I will post. ~donna~

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/18460/40/

All Island Update from David Schofield

Aloha friends of the monk seal!

This weekend was a big weekend for the monk seal response network. Attached are some images. Here is what we had:

1. State wide monk seal count occurred (the numbers are still coming in so it may be higher)
Kauai -16
Oahu - 7
Molokai - 11
Kahoolawe - 1
Maui - 0
Lanai - 0
Big Island - 0

For this 5th count the total was 35 animals which is right on par with the other 4 counts. We know we have certain seals in certain areas of the 3 islands that did not count any seals but they failed to show themselves in the allotted time frame.

2. HMSRTO volunteers were set up at the MCBH Earth Day from 9-2 on Saturday to highlight the MCBH and NMFS partnership for monk seal recovery. Volunteers produced a display of KP2 and R042 with a thanks to the MCBH for allowing us to house these seals on base.
3. Seal 040 "Kaena" born at Kaena Point in 2007 was found to have a hook in his mouth. He hauled out at Kaena Point about1 hour after the seal count was over at 2PM on Saturday. Since this time we have had volunteers out each day and he was observed yesterday. The hooking does not appear life threatening and since he is hauled out most of the time on hard rock the dehooking team has to wait until he is on soft sand or coral rubble to remove the hook.

HMSRTO volunteers are scheduled to monitor Kaena Point everyday through this upcoming weekend and will report daily to PIRO and PIFSC. A NMFS team will respond when the seal can be restrained safely.

4. A monk seal pup was born on Maui on a very remote beach near Hana.. The beach is near the ranch owned by Oprah so hopefully we can get some mileage out of that for public awareness. Joe McDonald provided the report last night and traveled there today. An initial report suggested that the pup was kicked by some camper/squatters. When Joe followed up with the MPD in Hana, the incident was described as a person went to shake the pup because they thought it dead...just sleeping and the mom was aggressive. Both OLE and DOCARE were made aware of the situation. Joe is working with MPD, DOCARE and the ranch managers to ensure the safety of the mom and pup. The ranch hands are very excited about the pup and are trying to find accommodations for volunteers to be able to be in close proximity for spot checks of the pair. Joe reports from the field that mom and pup are healthy and the decomposing placenta is still on the beach so it was likely a very recent birth. The mother is tentatively identified as RH44, a well known breeder that has pupped most often on Kalaupapa.

5. Late Sunday night (last night) Mimi Olry called and stated that she had a report of a dead seal on Kauai. Once on seen the animal was identified as I19, a 4 year old male.

A special thanks to all who had their weekend disrupted for these events. Let's hope for a quiet weekend coming.

Mahalo
David

T. David Schofield, M.Sc.
Interim Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Coordinator
Marine Mammal Response Network Coordinator
NOAA/NMFS/PIRO
1601 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1110
Honolulu, HI 96814
Cell 808-721-5343
Office 808-944-2269
Fax: 808-944-2141
David.Schofield@Noaa.Gov

Late Night with Craig Fergunson

Aloha Good People;

I mentioned in a previous post catching late night TV where William Shatner visit to Hawaii he encountered a Monk Seal and his unique experience.. Well thank you Jen for finding the clip...
So if you have a few moments check it out.....

The Late Late Show - 1/7/2009
Episode 800
Full Episode (40:24)

http://www.cbs.com/late_late_show/video/video.php?cid=583362836&pid=piE4N39pJ5EGFYfQqAqjnH2D4qRxSTVQ&category=recent&play=true

The Monk Seal talk starts at about 17:10.

News Links - 1/9/2009

DB sent the following link regarding the the munitions found on Rabbit Island... Actually quite frightening... I didn't put anything in the "dailies" since I thought it was all "Hush-Hush", but it was in the online Advertiser even before I got home. So much for "Hush-Hush". Aloha, DB

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090109/BREAKING01/90109039

And just as an interesting story...
The other night I was watching Late Night with Craig Fergurson (DB way past your bedtime) .... Anyway his guest was William Shatner who talked about a trip to Hawaii. (don't' know how recent or which island exactly) But he had an encounter with a monk seal.... His first encounter was when the seal was on the beach and "some one" was putting post all around it... Shatner was told this seal had been around too many people and therefore people had to stay away (???? Um excuse me.... they're endangered) ... anyway he mentioned OR70 which I honestly think he meant RO42.... The story gets better.... early the next morning he gets up and goes for a swim and while in the ocean he is grabbed from behind and well was being hugged by a very friendly seal.... I was laughing... I only wish he mentioned how endangered these animals are...

Happy New Year.... We all be fine in 2009!This was originally sent to the folks in NOAA and eventually made its way down to me. What we should really appreciate is this is from the Mediterranean Monk Seal folks.... All the way from Greece .

Monk Seal Article from Hawaiian Airlines Magazine

Here is an article in this month's Hawaiian Airlines Inflight Magazine. DB

http://www.hanahou.com/pages/magazine.asp?Action=DrawArticle&ArticleID=740&MagazineID=46

DB sent this link out to many of the volunteers, but I wanted to post it here as well so that all of our support and far away seal lovers had a chance to read it too!
Also I just want to acknowledge DB and the Billand(s) for their tireless and extraordinary dedication to these animals.... I guess the monk seals didn't know it was a holiday....
Thank you my friends, DB, Barb and Rob.
~donna~

Tune In or Set Your DVR

Aloha Good People!

In case you didn't know or forgot... Just want to remind you Tonight (Tuesday) on PBS NOVA is doing a story on the Marine Mammal Center in California... yes these are the folks that have helped out with KP2... Also during the show, they did some filming this spring and our very own Kolohe & KC will be part of the show....

I am sure we all will find this interesting... but I have to say I would love to have our very own Marine Mammal Center here on Oahu!

ENJOY!

Need to Raise Money for Monk Seal Pup Care

What can you do to help an orphaned monk seal pup?

Help pay for KP2's care, food, and satellite tag ~

Write a check to:

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation

write in the memo: Monk seal project

Mail Check TO:

Mauna Kea Galleries

2005 s King St

Honolulu, HI 96826

Meet KP2 (Kauai Pup)... he was abandon by his mom and in captive care since the day he was born. There are many dedicated professionals and volunteers looking after him. KP is about 6 months old and getting stronger each day... KP needs your help! As part of his rehabilitation and release into the wild it is important he be monitored to ensure his health and ability to survive. So please donate whatever amount you can (big or small) to help cover the expense of the satellite tag and care. I would like to thank the volunteers from the Marine Mammal Center in California, to our very own here on Oahu, for the endless hours of looking after this amazing animal. ~donna~

Save the Date! November 30th Sunday

Come by and support our seals and be one of the first to own a T-shirt design by Patrick. We are hoping to have a good turn out.... let's hope the weather cooperates.... I will post additional details as they become available.... but for now, save the date!!! ~donna~

On November 30, Naturally Hawaiian will feature a special "Sales for Seals" offer, devoting 25% sales of monk seal inspired art, books, clothing, and other items to the nonprofit Hawaiian Monk Seal Response Team/Oahu. Designated the “"Official Mammal of the State" on July 1, 2008, the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal has cruised Hawaiian waters and basked on Hawaiian beaches for some 12,000,000 years. Response Team/Oahu volunteers will be here to talk about the many ways you can assist the recovery of our critically endangered, charismatic, and exclusively Hawaiian monk seal. Also, my new Hawaiian Monk Seal T shirts will be released and available for sale! Please join in supporting Naturally Hawaiian's “"Sales for Seals"” on November 30, 2008. Mahalo.

Trick or Treat !

BOO !!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN