A Hawaiian monk seal hooked by a fisherman earlier this month, and found severely emaciated and covered in algae, is making a recovery, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

R5AY is one of 14 known monk seals that have gotten caught in hooks so far this year. During the past decade there have been a total of 84 cases of hookings that have come to the attention of NOAA and state officials. The monk seals are classified as endangered. 

From DLNR: 

On Wednesday, November 14, a 15 year old female Hawaiian monk seal, known by her flipper tags as “R5AY,” was reported seen with a hook in her cheek.  NOAA Fisheries mounted an extensive search, and on Saturday, November 17, she was located hauled out on Sunset Beach on the North Shore of O‘ahu, at which time she was safely captured by NOAA Fisheries staff and transported to Waikiki Aquarium for further evaluation and supportive care.

At the time she was captured, she was weak, severely emaciated, and covered in algae.  She had a large swelling within and around her mouth and an ulua hook lodged in her cheek.  Attached to the hook was a monofilament leader and “pigtail” connector, a type of gear frequently used in “slide bait” shoreline fishing.  Exams showed severe necrosis (dead or dying tissue) of her tongue.

On Monday, November 19, R5AY was transported to the Honolulu Zoo where reconstructive surgery was conducted.  About one-third of her tongue had to be removed, because the tissue could not be saved.

As of today R5AY is alert and mobile.  Her tongue is healing and she has started to eat live and dead fish.  She is still in guarded condition but NOAA Fisheries continues to be hopeful of a speedy recovery and release.   A physical exam will be conducted today, and based on the findings, a tentative release date will be considered in consultation with NOAA Fisheries staff and veterinarians.

NOAA Fisheries joins DLNR in urging fishermen and all ocean users to report hooking and other interactions with monk seals as soon as possible.  R5AY was near death when she was found and she apparently had been hooked for several days.  

Video of the monk seal can be found here. (Google Plus account required.)

(Photo: NOAA. Additional images can be viewed here.)