A young Hawaiian monk seal, named Keaka, has been frequenting the Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor on Hawai‘i Island. This presence has led to increased outreach and education efforts by the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), and The Marine Mammal Center.
Keaka, a five-month-old female seal identified by tag numbers T64/T65, is drawn to schools of akule fish near the harbor's rocky shoreline. Tyler Jeschke, a monitoring technician with DAR, noted that Keaka "likes to interact with people who are taking pictures of her," and there have been reports of her being fed either through discarded scraps or directly by some fishers.
Such interactions pose risks to Keaka's development as they may condition her to seek out human contact. Feeding Hawaiian monk seals is illegal due to these potential negative impacts. Jeschke emphasized efforts to ensure that "especially with all the boat traffic and the fishermen that she’s staying safe."
Jeannine Rossa, acting protected species program lead for DAR, explained that due to available food sources, "Keaka is likely to stick around for a while." Efforts are underway with DOBOR to encourage proper disposal of fish scraps in harbor dumpsters instead of in the water.
Keaka has already experienced two incidents involving fishing hooks this month. On November 10th, she was found with a hook in her mouth which was later removed by staff from Ke Kai Ola. Fishers are being advised about her tendency to take live bait.
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under federal and state laws. Megan McGinnis from The Marine Mammal Center highlighted the importance of preventing negative human interactions which can alter a seal's natural behavior.
David LeDuc, Honokōhau Harbor Master, mentioned spreading awareness among local fishers about avoiding illegal disposal practices. Jeschke added that despite some resistance, most people are supportive because "monk seal pups are cute animals."