The recent spate of suspicious monk seal deaths has spurred the feds to give Hawaii a new grant to help with the protection of the endangered seals, as well as green sea turtles. There’s still a $40,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those behind the seal killings.

Our Landblog reports:

Hawaii will receive a $128,585 grant to aid in the protection of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and green sea turtle, according to a Monday press release from Sen. Daniel Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka. 

The funding is in part spurred by the recent deaths of four monk seals, which died under suspicious circumstances. It will be used for public education efforts and documenting the disturbance of the marine animals.

From the press release: 

“Protecting the monk seal, the most endangered fin-footed marine mammal in U.S. waters, the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle will require a concerted effort by all who use the ocean.  The alleged killing of four monk seals during the last six months highlights the immediate need for a combination of intervention and culturally sensitive education and outreach.  This grant will continue the process of correcting misinformation about the monk seal while also addressing the challenges facing the green sea and hawksbill turtles.  We must be diligent stewards of the ocean and I am very pleased the administration recognizes the need to invest in the protection of these marine animals,” said Senator Inouye.

 “The monk seal and honu are among Hawaii’s most treasured native species.  We must do all we can to protect these important marine animals so that our keiki and future generations can learn from and enjoy them like we do,” said Senator Akaka.

 

Photo credit: NOAA