Hawaiian Monk Seal with Pup - Midway Atoll

On Midway Atoll Hawaiian monk seals are breeding on Sand Island again. Thanks to USFWS and NMFS protections in place since 1996 that have helped to reduce human activity on most of the beaches at Midway Atoll. These beaches are critical to this endangered animals survival, since 1998 pups are again being born on all three of Midway's islands. With a Hawaii-wide population currently numbering 1000 to 1100 total animals the Hawaiian monk seal is the most endangered marine mammal found solely in American territory. Even though the seal population at Midway has grown in size since 1997 the overall population is still declining. Low juvenile survival is the main problem affecting individuals like the pup shown here. This video was taken from a distance greater than 150-ft and from behind a cement block. It was filmed near the fuel pier on Sand Island, Midway Atoll in May 2008.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Midway
• Atoll
• monk
• seal
• hawaii
• nature
• ecotourism
• pacific
• marine
• mammal
• Papahanaumokuakea
• endangered
• animals

[naturefinder]

Very cool, how many seals did you see back in '81? Any pups? Now there are about 50 to 60 that are considered residents of Midway, about 1200 total in the whole Hawaiian Island chain.

[roadkillontheweb]

I have some pictures of the monk seal I found while walking the beach on Midway back in 1981. Was only there for to days but what a nice place