Kauai Monk Seal Watch Program

06/27/2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has confirmed the cause of death for a Hawaiian monk seal that was found dead in Nanakuli in May. ⬇

📸: Hawai'i Marine Animal Response

06/16/2026

The Trump Administration just gave Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument the worst anniversary gift ever: taking away protections that open these sacred waters to destructive industrial fishing.

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument covers 582,578 square miles of the Pacific Ocean surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The monument protects 3.5 million acres of coral reef and an incredibly diverse ecosystem that acts as critical nesting ground for the green sea turtle and breeding ground for the Hawaiian monk seal. Papahānaumokuākea is considered a sacred area for Native Hawaiians, from which they believe all life springs from and to which spirits return to.

In honor of Papahānaumokuākea's 20th anniversary, please speak out on this egregious attack to these sacred waters.

05/24/2026

05/14/2026

A Washington man has been charged after allegedly throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on Maui.

According to U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was charged with violating the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Thursday in Seattle federal court. ⬇