The Hawaiian monk seal in one of only two endemic mammals found in Hawaii, and is currently one of the world's
most endangered marine mammals. Monk seals are unique because they are the only seals to inhabit subtropical
waters throughout their entire lifespans. All three species of monk seals are either extinct or endangered. The Caribbean monk seal is believed
to have been extinct since 1952, and the Mediterranean monk seal population currently numbers less than 500
individuals. There are currently about 1400 Hawaiian monk seals, and the majority of the population is found
in the isolated Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
The Hawaiian monk seal population has been declining at a rate of about 5% per year for the past decade.
Reasons for the decline are not well understood, but malnourishment of pups and juveniles and entanglement
in marine debris appear to be contributing factors.
The monk seals at the Waikiki Aquarium are under a research permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal Program at the Waikiki Aquarium conducts research that will enable us to understand
more about the biology and behavior of these endangered animals. Current research projects at the Aquarium
focus on physiology and thermoregulation in these seals. The weight and blubber thickness of the seals are
recorded weekly. Because we know the amount of fish the seals are fed, we can begin to understand how changes
in weight and blubber thickness may result from seasonal hormonal cycles rather than just food supply.
Another research project focuses on how the body temperature of the seals varies during the course of a day. Because
monk seals are found in the subtropics, the way they remain cool even with a layer of blubber is still a bit of a mystery.
This research will help provide clues as to how the seals regulate their body temperature. Furthermore, by understanding
the normal range of monk seal body temperatures, we may be able to use temperature as an indicator of health during the seals'
check-ups.
The seals undergo intensive training so that research data can be collected through voluntary behaviors. The
seals are trained to respond to the different props and handling routines associated with the different
projects. This approach allows the researchers to obtain data while minimizing any stress to the seals.
