The community outreach in Waikiki this weekend was a great success! We gave out a ton of information on Monk Seals,
Turtles, Sharks, Coral Reefs & other important ocean conservation information. It was really great to be able to
reach so many people at once. A perfect target audience. We even got some new volunteer sign ups! The visitors
were very excited to have us there and of course the kids loved the coloring books, games & story time. The Honu
Guardians were there and did a wonderful job educating the public.
We'll be doing it again August 23rd
& 24th so come on down and check it out!
On May 14th, 2008 a Hawaiian Monk Seal was born on the beach walking distance from our house.
Of course we had to run to the rescue! So for the last five weeks I have been coordinating the pupping
site, making sure that all of our volunteer shifts are covered, helping educate beach goers and new volunteers and of course
getting a great sun tan! We have spent hours and hours on the beach watching over mom and pup. Some days for just
a couple of hours and others for up to 10 hours at a time.
Pup is now getting bigger and mom will most likely head out to sea soon to start feeding again.
She sure is skinny. The volunteer efforts will continue and we will be on hand to educate our many visitors and locals
on how precious of a resource this animal and how it's survival is key to the entire ecosystem of our beautiful waters.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is the most endangered marine mammal living withing the United States. Scientists
estimate the population to be about 1,100 in the entire Hawaiian Archipeligo - almost one third of the 1950's population.
The population is declining at a rate of 4% each year.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal was made the official Hawaiian State
Mammal this month - did you see me on TV? It was fun to be part of the ceremonial signing. The Humpback Whale
is still the official Hawaiian State Marine Mammal - just in case you were worried
