That’s the update on three monk seals that were recently caught in fishing hooks.

Officials from Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have been working to save the endangered mammals.

Sharkbite unfortunately had to be euthanized, increasing the number of monk seals believed to have been killed by fishing hooks to three, according to DLNR. 

Update on Hooked Seal Status as of May 24, 2012:

K36 “Kolohe”:  Recovered well from the de-hooking procedure at Waikiki Aquarium despite initial concerns that he was fighting an infection and pneumonia.  On Monday, May 21, he was transported from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i on a USCG C-130 and released on Kaua‘i.  The seal is fitted with temporary tracking tags (cell phone tag and satellite tag) for tracking and follow up if needed.

T15M “Sharkbite”:  Sharkbite had to be humanely euthanized on Saturday (May 19) at Waikiki Aquarium due to infection and necrosis of the surgical site and associated deteriorating health.  The seal’s advanced age (at least 27 years old) probably was a factor in his poor recovery after surgery.  The volunteer network was notified and many were saddened but understood the seal’s options and condition.  The remains of the seal will be cremated and a memorial ceremony will be held at White Plains in the near future. 

RK96 “Kaiwi”:  Staff have still have not been able to bring her in from the wild, but are ready to do so and treat her as soon as she presents herself in a location where we can safely bring her in for treatment.  We have stepped up surveillance looking for Kaiwi and we believe she is still around O‘ahu.  The good news is that she has been sighted out in the water acting normally, but just not hauling out in a place where she can be safely captured.  If the situation remains unchanged, we would bring her in for an X-ray at Waikiki Aquarium and proceed with de-hooking and/or other treatment as necessary.

(Photo: NOAA)