Non-Lethal Efforts to Deter Shark Predation of Hawaiian Monk Seal Pups
September 14, 2012
Monk seal pups at French Frigate Shoals are heavily preyed upon by Galapagos sharks, but it is unclear if non-lethal efforts to deter this behavior are effective. However, translocating newly weaned pups to areas with less shark predation has proven beneficial to pup survival.
More than a decade of shark predation on nursing and newly weaned pups of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) has significantly contributed to a steep decline of the French Frigate Shoals subpopulation. In an effort to develop non‐lethal methods of mitigating predation, the feasibility of deploying potential shark deterrents at French Frigate Shoals was examined, and then tests were done to see if any of the successfully deployed devices or a continuous human presence deters shark predation of monk seal pups.
Gobush, KS, Farry, SC. Non-Lethal Efforts to Deter Shark Predation of Hawaiian Monk Seal Pups. Published in Aquatic Conservation.