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A timely message from our CEO

Our mission is to protect the health of our ocean through our work with marine mammals. We have done this for 50 years, and you can count on us to continue to do so for the next 50 and beyond.
The results of this week’s election raise significant concerns about a federal resolve to protect ocean health.
If these concerns resonate with you, please know you are not powerless. Caring people like you coming together to find creative, sustainable solutions has led to countless conservation success stories – and will lead to countless more.
Take Action Now
Northern fur seal Lilypad
Two Hawaiian monk seals sleeping on the beach.

Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation

With over 45 years of experience working with marine mammals, our efforts in Hawai‘i are critical to saving this endangered species. 

Researchers estimate about 30 percent of Hawaiian monk seals are alive today directly due to conservation efforts. This life-saving work is possible thanks to support from compassionate people like you.

MAKE A DONATION   Report a Monk Seal Sighting

Join our ‘ohana and help us #GiveSealsSpace

What's Happening?

How You Can Help

You can take action in your daily life and community to help save this endangered species, no matter where you live.

Taking Action at The Marine Mammal Center

two Hawaiian monk seal patients at Ke Kai Ola
photo by Elena Graham © The Marine Mammal Center / NOAA permit #18786

The endangered Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest seal species in the world, and conservation efforts are critical to their survival. Through direct animal care, community outreach, education and response, our dedicated staff and volunteers in Hawai‘i are working to save a species.

On Hawai‘i Island, we operate the only hospital dedicated to Hawaiian monk seals, Ke Kai Ola. Our team of experts relies on the Center’s many years of experience in marine mammal medicine and health to treat monk seals so they can be released back to the wild.

The Marine Mammal Center is the lead responder for Hawaiian monk seals on Hawai‘i Island and Maui, and we operate a hotline for reporting monk seal sightings. Every sighting reported provides valuable information to researchers, and our response teams are ready to respond if an animal needs emergency care.

Conservation starts with education and outreach. That's why our educators focus on inspiring students to become marine science enthusiasts. Our education programs in Hawai‘i connect students with science and stewardship, and provide professional development for classroom teachers. 

Interested in having our staff participate in an upcoming community event you're hosting on Hawai‘i Island? Tell us more about your request.

We also work with organizations in Hawai‘i to support fishing communities in a transition to barbless hooks, a fishing method that drastically reduces the risk of damage if a Hawaiian monk seal becomes hooked.

Explore Our Hawai‘i Education Programs

two volunteers in Hawaiian monk seal conservation shirts point toward a seal on the beach

Volunteer With Us

None of our work is possible without the support of people like you. Volunteer roles are available in animal care and education on Hawai‘i Island, and in response on both Hawai‘i Island and Maui. 

Learn More

Take Our Virtual Tour

Hawaiian monk seals are one of the rarest seal species in the world, and most people will never have a chance to see one in the wild. 

On our virtual tour, you’ll have the chance to visit Ke Kai Ola, our dedicated hospital for Hawaiian monk seals, and travel throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago to see monk seals in their natural environment. You’ll also discover ways you can help conserve Hawaiian monk seals no matter where you live in the world. 

Take the ‘Ohana Challenge by downloading our family-friendly activity guide and participating in three challenges at home to deepen your family’s commitment to ocean conservation.

Explore More Online Learning Resources

Created by the Center’s award-winning educators, these virtual activities and curriculum materials help guide youth of all ages to learn more about marine mammal health, science and conservation.

Learn About Our Other Conservation Programs

Mahalo Nui Loa to Our Supporters and Partners

Mahalo nui loa to our many foundation, business and individual supporters in Hawai`i and off island. And special thanks to NOAA, the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Regional Office and the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Team for their critical support and partnership.

A Kuleana Green Business

The Marine Mammal Center is a member of the Kuleana Green Businesses, a program that promotes ethical business practices and environmental stewardship throughout Hawai`i. Program members understand their kuleana (right and responsibility) to generate positive impacts in their social and natural environments. 

Kuleana Green Business Program logo

monk seal, Hawaiian monk seal, Hawaii, endangered species, endangered, species recovery, Ke Kai Ola