The Marine Mammal Center is the lead responder for Hawaiian monk seal fall-out on the Big Island. They currently operate the only Hawaiian monk seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Ke Kai Ola.
The Marine Mammal Center will expand its Hawaiian monk seal care to Maui next spring in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Regional Office.
“With only a few hundred monk seals living in the main Hawaiian Islands, the survival of each individual is critical to the recovery of the population,” said Dr. Jeff Boehm, CEO at The Marine Mammal Center.
Having a monk seal volunteer program in Maui will expand stewardship for these endangered animals. Maui’s outreach program will include responding to seal haul-outs, molting, and pupping events.
Volunteer recruitment will begin in February.
