The last surviving species in its genus, hawaiian monk seals (neomonachus schauinslandi /`ilio holo i KA uaua) are endemic to the hawaiian archipelago, and one of the most endangered seal species in…

The Marine Mammal Center will receive $258,728 under a Project Grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support Hawaiian monk seal rehabilitation and research efforts through September 2023. Funded through NOAA's Marine Mammal Data Program, the project aims to promote the survival and recovery of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the last remaining species in its genus endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago. Key deliverables include the rehabilitation of an estimated six to eight seals requiring long-term veterinary care at The Marine Mammal Center's Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital in Kona, as well as provision of veterinary, field, research, and other support for additional seals statewide in collaboration with NOAA's Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program. Health screenings and collection of biological samples from rehabilitated seals will further the understanding of disease threats and support future health, genetic, and genomic studies important to the conservation of this critically endangered species.

The last surviving species in its genus, hawaiian monk seals (neomonachus schauinslandi /`ilio holo i KA uaua) are endemic to the hawaiian archipelago, and one of the most endangered seal species in the world. The goal of this project is to promote the survival and recovery of the species. The project objectives are: 1. Rehabilitate approximately six to eight hawaiian monk seals in need of long-term veterinary care at KE KAI OLA, the marine mammal center's hawaiian monk seal hospital in kona, and provide veterinary, field, research, and other support for additional seals anywhere in the archipelago in collaboration with NOAA fisheries hawaiian monk seal research program (hmsrp). 2. Conduct health and disease screenings on all monk seals in rehabilitation to support a greater understanding of the prevalence of and emerging disease threats to this species. 3. Collect biological samples for future retrospective health, genetic, and genomic studies for placement and transfer for l