The total number of endangered Hawaiian monk seals (ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua) on the planet has dramatically declined over many decades. However, through hard work and cooperation between NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Friends of Midway Atoll, and other partners, we have seen a steady increase in the overall population of Hawaiian monk seals since 2013. Combined efforts to minimize entanglement hazards, safeguard habitats, and maintain peaceful and productive breeding grounds have resulted in the most successful pupping season on record at Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)!
In 2023, 23 pups were born on Kuaihelani between Sand, Eastern, and Spit Islands. This satisfying number is nearly twice the recent annual average for Kuaihelani. For the past ten years, an average of 12 births a year have been recorded between Sand, Eastern, and Spit Islands. This year, Wildlife Refuge Specialist for Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and NMFS liaison Morgan Walter has confirmed that 2023 saw the most pups born on Midway Atoll since tracking began.
Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua is the only species of seal native to the Hawaiian archipelago, and one of only two extant monk seal species on the planet (Mediterranean monk seal). Endangered and precious, Hawaiian monk seals are carefully monitored for breeding success by biologists across the entire Hawaiian archipelago. In 2023, the first pup was born on Kuaihelani on February 25, marking the first known pupping of the year within the Monument. It took until early July for number 23 to come into the world, and the end of the season arrived with its weaning in early August.
Here at Kuaihelani, the local human population is often treated to the sights and sounds of mom and pup pairs…from a safe and respectful distance, of course. Here’s to another banner year for ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua in 2024!
All photos by Dan Rapp, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, under NMFS permit number 22677
Video footage and editing by Morgan Walter & Dan Rapp, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, under NMFS permit number 22677