Hawaiian Monk Seal Named State Mammal

The designation is intended to protect the monk seal from extinction, Lt. Governor Aiona told more than 75 conservationists during the Third Annual Marine Mammal Response Network Conference at Ala Moana Hotel.

The monk seal’s population is about 1,100 and has been declining by approximately 4 percent annually.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about the Hawaiian monk seal as an endangered species,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “We hope this will lead to increased protection for the Hawaiian monk seal and its repopulation.”

As a sign of the Administration’s commitment to this effort, April 19, 2008 was declared as “Hawaiian Monk Seal Day” in Hawai‘i. And as acting governor on May 14, 2008, Lt. Governor Aiona signed into law legislation that establishes the Hawaiian monk seal as the official state mammal.

In 1979, the Hawai‘i Legislature designated the Humpback whale as the official marine mammal of the state. At the time, the Humpback whale was on the brink of extinction.  As a result of heightened awareness of the Humpback whale, its numbers have significantly increased.

“We hope for the same results for the Hawaiian monk seal,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.