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Hawaiian Monk Seal Population Rounds Out a Decade of Growth

The population is slowly but steadily increasing.
May 10, 2023 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Researcher photographing monk seal A NOAA staff member surveys monk seals on a small islet where green sea turtles are also relaxing. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Photo taken under permit)

Mother Monk Seal Births Pup in Waikīkī for the Second Time

RK96 (Kaiwi) has given birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach, Oʻahu. Give the pair at least 150 feet of space as they nurse in the area for the next 5–7 weeks. 
April 14, 2023 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Mother seal with new born pup (in black) resting on a busy beach on a sunny day. Hawaiian monk seal RK96 (Kaiwi) and her newborn pup. Credit: Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response

Rehabilitated Hawaiian Monk Seals Return to Kuaihelani

Three monk seals return to Midway Atoll at Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument after struggling with malnourishment. They now have a second chance at survival.
April 05, 2023 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Hawaiian monk seal with satellite tag swimming in the waters after being released back into the wild. Rehabilitated Hawaiian monk seals explore their new habitat after a successful release into the wild at Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). Credit: USFWS/Andy Sullivan-Haskins (NOAA Fisheries Permit #24359)

How One Health Benefits Hawaiian Monk Seals

One Health Month highlights threats to monk seals and how you can help.
March 24, 2023 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
cat near seal

Meet Some of Our Hawaiian Monk Seal Matriarchs

Honoring trailblazing female monk seals who have significantly helped build the seal population in the main Hawaiian Islands.
March 23, 2023 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Hawaiian monk seal and her pup snuggling on each others neck in the waters by the rocks. R006 relaxes with one of her many pups at Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Is It a Seal or a Sea Lion?

Seals and sea lions are both pinnipeds, but there are distinct characteristics to tell them apart.
March 22, 2023 - Feature Story ,
National
Infographic showing illustrated seal and sea lion and describing the differences between the two animals, such as ears, body size, flippers, etc. At first glance, seals (true or “eared seals”) and sea lions look fairly similar. Taking a closer look, these are some of the general differences to tell these animals, such as on the harbor seal (left) and California sea lion (right) pictured above.

Seal and Sea Lion Week

Join us for a week-long celebration of seals and other pinnipeds and get the scoop on NOAA's seal conservation efforts.
March 20, 2023 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
An animation showing several species of seals in their native habitats with the words "Seal & Sea Lion Week" across the top. Seal & Sea Lion Week is March 20-24, 2023.

Famous Waikīkī Pup Gives Birth Outside of the Spotlight

North Shore students gift name Uʻi Mea Ola to first Oʻahu monk seal pup of 2023. 
February 23, 2023 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Black Hawaiian monk seal pup laying on its back on the left and mom on the right resting on the beach. res Hawaiian monk seal RJ58 (Kaimana) and her pup. Credit: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (Permit #24359)

50 Years of Protecting Marine Mammals

A look at the Marine Mammal Protection Act's many advancements and accomplishments in the last 50 years.
February 02, 2023 - Podcast ,
National
Pair of bottlenose dolphins Pair of bottlenose dolphins. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Morse.

The Monk Seal Chronicles: Mimi and the “Monk Seal Matriarchs”

Special guest biologist Mimi Olry joins the podcast to discuss her experiences working with Hawaiian monk seals on Kaua‘i—especially individual “monk seal moms.”
January 30, 2023 - Podcast ,
Pacific Islands
A Hawaiian monk seal rests on the beach at the edge of the waves with a small, darker pup by her side. Female Hawaiian monk seal RO28, one of the “monk seal matriarchs,” and her pup on Kaua‘i. Credit: Val Bloy