Setting up Shop

Manani gets a morning scrub down. Photo courtesy Bea Koyasu.

Around 9:00am (May 20th), saw a Cleaner Wrasse working at Lobe Coral, Backdoor Lagoon. I wonder when he opened his business. Bea.

One BIG Monk Seal!

Ewa Girl -- ready to pop! Photo courtesy D.B. Dunlap.

This photo of Ewa Girl on the Toilet Bowl ledge was taken on April 30th, 2005 -- one week before she gave birth to a healthy pup on Rabbit Island. While Monk seals are usually rare in the main Hawaiian Islands, several seals have become regular visitors to the Bay since September of 2003, approximately one year after the ledges were closed to public access due to rockslides.

The Hawaiian Monk seal -- 'Ilioholoikauaua -- is an endemic species and sadly, it is the most endangered marine mammal occuring in U.S. waters. The current population is estimated at 1,300-1,400 animals. Their primary habitat and breeding grounds are in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Monk seals haul out on shore to nap, molt, pup and avoid predators. If you're lucky enough to spot one, please keep your distance (100 feet minimum) and enjoy the moment without disturbing the animal.