Author: Editor

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KP2 in captivity at Waikiki Aquarium

Media Watch, Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press, 15 December 2011

A nearly blind Hawaiian monk seal found years ago trying to suckle a rock at a Kauai beach after his mother abandoned him is settling into his new home at the Waikiki Aquarium.

Hoailona, also known as KP2, has been poking his snout into the corners and edges of the outdoor pool as he explores the new environment he moved into this week. [Continues]

Source: Hawaiian monk seal finds new home at aquarium, Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press, 15 December 2011.

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Workshop report from Martinique

Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Tethys Research Institute, Milano
Photo: Georges Gavanas

A workshop on monk seal conservation issues was organised within the framework of the second International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas, held in Martinique from 7-11 November 2011.  Nine experts on both extant monk seal species, from eight countries, contributed to the workshop, which I had the honour of coordinating.

The purpose of this workshop was to gather updated information on the status of both the Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals within their respective ranges, but in particular to explore ways in which marine protected areas (MPAs) can be used to protect these critically endangered mammals. The conditions under which monk seals survive vary greatly not only between Hawaii and the Mediterranean/North Atlantic, but also in the different localities within each species’ range. Accordingly, the tools to address the different pressures affecting monk seal status include, but are not limited to, the establishment of protected areas, and the application of these tools varies greatly between programmes.

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Shot dead on Rhodes

MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal, 7 December 2011

Rhodes seal killingOn Tuesday December 6, the Port Police of Rhodes and the Dodecanese Fisheries Director and President of the Management Body of the Protected Area Karpathos-Saria, Ms. Fotaki Marigo, informed MOm of a dead monk seal on the Karavola islet southwest of Rhodes.

On the same day, the Security Chief of the Port Police of Rhodes, Mr. Vasilis Milathianakis, and volunteers from the Free Diving Association of Dodecanese-Rhodes, went to the site to confirm the incident and collect information and data. In consultation with the Director of MOm’s Rescue and Information Network, Ms. Marianna Psaradellis, all necessary arrangements were made for the collection of samples, since the area is remote and transport of the animal was not possible.

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Former Governor rejects proposed habitat protections

Media Watch, News Release, Lingle US Senate 2012, 29 November 2011

HONOLULU – Former Governor Linda Lingle sent a letter today to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regarding their proposed rule to designate the main Hawaiian Islands as a critical habitat for the Hawaiian Monk Seal.

She released the following statement:

“A recent proposal by the Federal Government to make 4,787 square miles of land and water in Hawaii a federal critical habitat is another example of government over-reach and insensitivity to the concerns of the people of this State.

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Monk seal habitat added to protected area network

Media Watch, European Commission Press Release, 21 November 2011

Natura 2000, the EU’s network of protected areas, has undergone a significant expansion. Nearly 18 800 square kilometres have been added, including a major addition of marine areas covering 17 000 square kilometres which will increase protection for many endangered marine species. The network now covers almost 18% of the EU’s landmass and more than 145 000 km² of its seas. The main countries involved in this latest expansion are the UK, France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Lithuania and Italy. Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of Europe’s battle to halt biodiversity loss and safeguard ecosystem services. […]

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Japan tsunami debris threatens Hawaiian monk seal

Media Watch, The Mainichi Daily News, 16 November 2011

Hawaii’s environment could be in danger as debris from Japan’s earthquake and tsunami in March, including lumber and home appliances adrift in the Pacific, has been approaching, researchers said at a meeting in Honolulu on Monday.

“The larger the piece, the more dangerous the piece,” said Nikolai Maximenko of the International Pacific Research Center at the meeting on mitigating the impact of the debris on coastlines.

Large debris could damage reefs and shore-side facilities, while small debris could pollute beaches and injure endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal, said speakers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and marine cleanup groups. […]

Source: Scientists warn Japan tsunami debris endangering Hawaii, The Mainichi Daily News, 16 November 2011