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Nov. 10, 2025
The Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center Expands Conservation Efforts to Include Hawaiian Monk Seal Response on Maui
Vital in-field response, conservation and education efforts continue to recover one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals
MAUI, HawaiÊ»i — Nov. 10, 2025 — The Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center (MOCMI) is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support endangered Hawaiian monk seal recovery efforts on Maui.
MOCMI aims to strengthen these outreach and education efforts, funded under a cooperative agreement with NOAA, through the Maui Monk Seal Response Program. The team — comprised of trained community volunteers and MOCMI staff — will receive monk seal sighting reports, respond to haul-outs, molting and pupping events, conduct public outreach, assess animal health, and assist with interventions when necessary.
“This collaboration represents an exciting new chapter for marine conservation on Maui,” said Dustin Paradis, executive director of MOCMI. “We’re honored to work alongside NOAA’s Pacific Islands Regional Office, the HawaiÊ»i Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Native Hawaiian community to continue this vital response work. Together, we can ensure seamless support for Hawaiian monk seals and the dedicated people caring for them while learning to coexist respectfully.”
MOCMI’s expanded role builds upon the organization’s existing partnership with NOAA through its sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation program. Together, these coordinated efforts strengthen the network of responders protecting HawaiÊ»i’s native marine wildlife.
The public is encouraged to report all monk seal sightings and emergencies to the statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840. On Maui, reports can also be made directly to the Maui Monk Seal Response Hotline at (808) 292-2372. Reporters should provide location details and observe animals from a safe and respectful distance.
About the Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center
The Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Hawai‘i’s marine life. MOCMI manages Maui’s sea turtle stranding response network, rehabilitates critically injured sea turtles statewide and conducts coral restoration and research in partnership with NOAA and other academic institutions. The organization also provides educational programs to inspire the next generation of ocean conservation leaders.
For more information about MOCMI’s initiatives and to learn how to support their efforts visit www.mocmarineinstitute.org