Wildlife officials determine cause of death for 1-year-old Hawaiian monk seal

Federal wildlife officials have determined the death of Mele the Hawaiian monk seal a few months ago was likely caused by drowning.

Although National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials were unable to definitively identify Mele’s cause of death due to a heavily decomposed carcass, they believe the most plausible explanation is drowning, most likely in a net.

Mele, a 1-year-old female monk seal also identified as RM90, was found dead May 24 on the windward side of Oahu.

“The front of RM90’s body had several areas of hemorrhage that support this conclusion, and it is where the available evidence points the strongest,” said NOAA Fisheries in a post on Tuesday.

The death was heartbreaking to those who had recently rescued and rehabilitated her at The Marine Mammal Center’s Ke Kai Ola in Kailua-Kona. Mele had been taken there after volunteers noticed her malnourished appearance. She had successfully regained weight, and then been released back to the wild.

Mele had also gotten a fishing hook lodged in her cheek, but appeared to be in good body condition when she was last seen in mid-May, according to officials.

While external hooks are typically not life-threatening and not removed unless the procedure can be done safely, it may have made her more susceptible to entanglement, officials said.

The update follows recent news that a Louisiana couple visiting Kauai has apologized and agreed to pay an undisclosed fine after posting a viral TikTok video showing the wife touching a monk seal on a beach, and then running away.

NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement is actively investigating the incident.

This morning, Gov. David Ige issued a three-part tweet, stating: “I’ve seen an increase in distressing videos recently of what appears to be visitors to our state touching and disturbing our endangered native Hawaiian monk seals. I want to be clear that this behavior is absolutely unacceptable. Visitors to our islands – you’re asked to respect our people, culture, and laws protecting endangered species that are found nowhere else in the world. For those who don’t, make no mistake, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Hawaii is a unique place that is home to many. We ask that you be considerate of all the people, and creatures, living here.”

Hawaiian monk seals are a critically endangered species, with only about 1,400 remaining in the wild. They are protected by both state and federal laws. Under Hawaii law, the harassment of a monk seal is considered a Class C felony, punishable by imprisonment and fines.

In its viewing guidelines for marine wildlife in Hawaii, NOAA recommends staying at least 50 feet away from Hawaiian monk seals. Officials further recommend staying at least 150 feet away from Hawaiian monk seal mom-and-pup pairs.

Monk seal sightings, injuries, and entanglements can be reported to NOAA’s statewide hotline at 888-256-9840.