The state is directing boaters to stop throwing fish scraps into harbor waters after an endangered Hawaiian monk seal was spotted repeatedly swimming around boats at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor on Hawaii island.
The seal, known as B-18, was seen feeding on fish scraps.
"It would be a tragedy for this seal to be struck by a boat or propeller or to get caught up in netting or marine debris. We don’t want seals to become habituated or conditioned to people," said Suzanne Case, Department of Land and Natural Resources chairwoman.
"Seals that are fed, even unintentionally by discarded fish scraps, can quickly become ‘problem seals’ that associate people with food and seek out human interactions that are dangerous for seals and people. They are wild creatures, and we want to keep them wild."
The report of the seal in the harbor prompted the DLNR to remind the public that it is against the law to dispose of fish scraps in state waters.
All small boat harbors around the state have receptacles for the proper disposal of fish scraps and all other rubbish, the DLNR said.
Workers are posting signs around Honokohau harbor and in the harbor master’s office to remind people to properly take care of fish scraps.
They are also including reminders in monthly billing statements sent to boat owners who have moorings at the harbor.
"This is not the only place where this has happened, and it is not the first time it’s happened," said Case.
"With fewer than 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals left in the wild, it’s critical that everyone does their part to protect these creatures and show them our kokua," she said.
