No Free Meals for Seals Flyer
July 30, 2020
Flyer promoting responsible spearfishing around Hawaiian monk seals, which includes protecting your catch and never feeding seals.
![No free meals for seals flyer example.](https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/500x645-no-free-meals-for-seals-flyer-thumbnail.jpg)
All spearfishers should take precautions to prevent seals from becoming conditioned to approaching divers in search of food and potentially creating a future safety issue for other ocean users or the seals.
If you encounter a Hawaiian monk seal while spearfishing:
- Protect your catch by pulling your stringer (kui) in close.
- Without harming the seal, take actions necessary to keep a safe distance between the seal and your catch.
- Take a break or try a different fishing area, especially if the seal persists in pursuing you or your catch.
- Report all seal sightings to NOAA's Marine Wildlife Hotline: (888) 256-9840.
Do you own or work for a fish and tackle supply or dive shop?
You can help get the word out on what your customers can do to prevent “problem” seals!
- Share the flyer on your social media pages
- Print out the flyer to post in your shop