Hawaiian monk seals seem to have developed a bad rap among fishermen for stealing their catch and depleting fish stocks.

At least four of the endangered species have been shot or bludgeoned to death by humans since late last year. 

To help with the image makeover, scientists are trying a new tack: strapping underwater “crittercams” onto the seals’ backs to prove to fishermen that they’re eating off the ocean floor. 

The AP reports that the footage may even end up on reality TV.

“It’s following seals to have them tell their own story,” Charles Littnan, lead scientist for the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program. They expect to see the seals dive for eels and fish on the ocean floor.

The “Crittercams,” provided by the National Geographic Society, are the latest tactic to protect a population that is down to just 1,100 in Pacific Ocean waters around Hawaii. The killings were painful blows to a species on course to disappear in 50 to 100 years.

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