Threats & Recovery
Threats to Monk Seals
A few of the main threats to the Monk Seals’ existence are continued fishing and harvesting of ocean resources, human intrusions and disturbances, effects of climate change and predation. Fishing near the Hawaiian Islands has caused Monk Seals to experience mass entanglement. Pups and young seals are the ones most often affected by entanglement. Lay Gillnet Fishing is extremely dangerous for seals because they can get stuck in the nets, which often causes them to drown. In addition to entanglement, pollution and debris from fishing boats, and humans in general, are also greatly affecting Monk seals. Climate change is affecting every organism on the planet, including marine life. The effects of ocean warming due to climate change causes species habitats to shift and crucial resources, in some cases, may not be available to species. Another effect of climate change is limited food intake. In the NWHI, Monk Seals are being forced to compete for resources and food with predators and other species. This competition causes young seals to become malnourished as they are not strong enough to compete with others, which contributes to the overall decline in population. Food limitation may also be caused by less ecosystem productivity because of climate change. While Monk Seals are a major predator in the marine ecosystem, they are often at risk of attack by sharks. There are many factors that influence Monk Seal’s wellbeing and threaten their existence, so it is important that their recovery is prioritized.
Recovery Efforts
The recovery of Monk Seals is crucial, not only because they are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, but because every species has a role to play in the overall health of the environment. If Monk Seals become extinct, other parts of the ecosystem will also be threatened. After being placed on the endangered species list in 1976, many efforts have been put in place to protect and save the species. As Monk Seals are endemic to a relatively small range, almost all the land and water they occupy has become wildlife refuges or reserves to protect their habitats. A few major recovery efforts include removal of marine debris, reducing human interaction, controlling shark predation of young seals and regulating fishing to avoid potential entanglement and other interactions (IUCN, n.d.). Education is another crucial part of the recovery of Monk Seals. Teaching humans about other species and the role they play in the world will help to create a better respect between the two. It is important for the next generation of people to grow up being taught about how humans are a part of nature and not separate. This will ensure people are there to protect species at risk and change the relationship between humans and the environment. Rehabilitation centers have been created to care for Monk Seals who are hurt or at risk in the wild. This type of interaction and care will ensure that the population’s strength continues to grow. Recovery plans are in place, but there is always more work to be done.
