Federal and state officials are investigating the recent death of a monk seal on Molokai.
Federal and state officials are investigating the recent death of a monk seal on Molokai.
On Sunday, the public reported a young female seal dead on the south shore of Molokai, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The deceased seal was identified by a temporary bleach mark on her side, as “L11” one of the pups born on the island in 2020.
Including “L11,” There have been six seals found dead on Molokai this year. The deceased seal was sent to Oahu and is currently frozen as COVID-19 conditions in Hawaii preclude NOAA Fisheries from conducting an immediate postmortem examination.
An exam will be conducted as soon as possible, the state said.
Anyone with information is urged to call NOAA/OLE at (800) 853-1964 or the DOCARE hotline at 643-DLNR or use the free DLNRTip app. Reports can be anonymous.
