RL72 : “Hawaiian Monk Seal Bites Divers: Kona Relocation”

(BIVN) – A Hawaiian monk seal that was reportedly approaching and biting divers in the waters off Kona has been safely translocated to a remote island in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The 5-year-old monk seal, known as RL72, was taken to Kamole, also known as Laysan Island, on Friday, June 7, 2024.

RL72 will be joining over 200 other Hawaiian monk seals at Kamole and will have the opportunity to thrive in a more natural environment away from human interactions. The decision to move RL72 was made after a series of escalating underwater interactions with divers and snorkelers off the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island.

According to a news release from NOAA, reports of RL72 approaching divers and nipping fins and dive equipment in the Makako Bay area date back to December 2023. In one incident, RL72 bit a diver on the head, causing a non-serious injury. The behavior exhibited by RL72 raised concerns and led to the decision to intervene.

NOAA explained that a thorough risk assessment was conducted before the translocation, with a focus on the long-term welfare of the seal and public safety. RL72’s behavior posed a risk of serious injury or drowning to humans, prompting the need for intervention.

Three Hawaiian monk seals lie together on Kamole /Laysan Island. (Photo courtesy NOAA Fisheries/Calla Lloyd-Lim

Despite efforts to mitigate RL72’s behavior, interactions with ocean users continued to escalate. RL72 followed and engaged with divers and snorkelers, biting gear, nipping at arms, and attempting to mount scuba divers. Videos showed RL72 persistently pursuing individuals underwater, leading to concerns for human safety.

Recognizing the risk posed by RL72’s behavior, The Marine Mammal Center in Hawaiʻi Island safely collected RL72 on June 4 for translocation to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The remote location of Kamole/Laysan Island provides RL72 with the opportunity to return to normal wild seal behaviors away from human interactions.

If you encounter a Hawaiian monk seal or witness any concerning behavior towards these native animals, please report it to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.