November 2023 Update
MONTHLY HMAR UPDATE: November 2023
November has been filled with marine debris net recoveries, partner cleanups, and the start of our shearwater surveys!
Number of contacts made to HMAR hotlines in November 2023 – 1,305 contacts
This is broken down as 713 contacts regarding Hawaiian monk seals, 108 contacts regarding sea turtles, and 402 contacts regarding seabirds. The remaining 82 contacts were not regarding marine animals of concern.
Number of field support actions conducted in November 2023 – 202 actions
This was broken down as 20 in the east section of Oʻahu, 82 in the lower west area, 1 in the upper west, 13 in the north area, and 86 in the southeast area of Oʻahu.
Last month was very busy with shearwaters during fallout season but that didn't stop our Waikīikī seals from continuing to make more regular appearances. RQ44 (Mahina) has continued to haul out in town last month and seems to be getting greener by the day but still no signs of her first molt (see picture left). Ko Olina has also seen a slight uptick in seals, some days seeing 5 seals all hauled out onto one beach!
Members of our team actively engaged in seabird banding last month, partnering with the University of Hawai'i, at the large shearwater colony on the north shore managed by HMAR. The goal is to band wedge tailed shearwaters (ʻuaʻu kani) before they leave their burrows for the first time. This project helps monitor the population and activity of these wonderful seabirds
November also marked the commencement of our annual Laysan albatross (mōlī) monitoring project at our partnered colony, a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the North Shore Community Land Trust, and Turtle Bay Resort (see picture right). With 9 nests identified and mapped, our team is thrilled to embark on another season of observations, outreach and conservation. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds!
Number of rescues, interventions, stranding responses, and escalated field actions in November 2023 – 182
This was broken down as 17 operations for sea turtles, 161 operations for seabirds, and 4 for Hawaiian monk seals. Of special note, we had one rescue operation for a rare hawksbill sea turtle hatchling and one large downed seabird.
In November, HMAR responded to a call concerning a green sea turtle in West Loch, displaying signs of distress while foraging and exhibiting a poor body condition (see picture right). Upon reaching the scene, the team promptly retrieved and assessed the turtle, considering factors such as body and carapace condition, and tumor load it needed to be transported. Our staff notified NOAA that the turtle was going to be brought in for further assessments by veterinarians. It is currently undergoing additional tests and monitoring to ensure comprehensive care and recovery.
During November, the shearwater fallout season was at its peak, and we want to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who played a crucial role this year. HMAR has achieved significant success in rescuing and transporting nearly 200 seabirds thus far this year. A special thank you goes out to our committed volunteers, interns, and dispatch volunteers, whose tireless efforts covered the entire island (see picture left). Their dedication was instrumental in the successful rescue of seabirds and effective communication with concerned individuals..
Our partners, including the environmental specialists aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH), deserve recognition for their invaluable support in rescuing many seabirds this year. Feather & Fur Animal Hospital also earns a huge thank you for once again serving as a crucial center for seabird drop-off, triage, and care. Throughout the fallout season, HMAR dispatch has been handling numerous calls daily from a vigilant public, highlighting their dedication. To the community as a whole, we are grateful for your active role in protecting these young birds on their journey!
Marine Debris - Large Debris Recovery!
We conducted seven marine debris in-water dives last month collecting 1,624 feet of monofilament line and 379 animal hazards. On top of our dives, as the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Aquatic Resources Marine Debris Rapid Response contractor for Oʻahu, HMAR was called out to a large net mass on the East side of the island (see picture left)! Prompted by a morning call from attentive Laie beach walkers, our team swiftly responded 
to a mass of washed-up rope behind homes. Upon reaching the site, we encountered a notable knot of various ropes, driven ashore by the high tide. Fortunately, a generous neighbor with beachfront property allowed us to navigate one of our HMAR trucks through their yard for efficient access. Our team promptly began the task of cutting the rope into more manageable sections. These sections were then carried away, ensuring a comprehensive cleanup of the beach area. The combined weight of this rope mass reached around 800 pounds.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to these efforts and to the vigilant individual who alerted us to this significant hazard. If you ever encounter derelict fishing gear or nets, whether in the water or on land, please do not hesitate to contact our Hawaiʻi DLNR Marine Debris Rapid Response hotline at 833-4-DA-NETS.
Number of people reached through face-to-face outreach and education in November 2023 - 1,509 people
Last month, members of our team involved in our Education & Engagement Program continued their outreach work at Waikīkī Aquarium on Mondays from 11am-2pm. In November, HMAR teamed up for two successful beach cleanups. The first, in collaboration with Kidzart and Aaron's Dive Shop, drew a good turnout from the public and our dedicated volunteers. The second, in partnership with JABSOM School at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for One Health Day, also had a significant impact with strong community participation from the students and their families (see picture right).
Kailua Bay Adventure also joined us at our facility to renew
their Hawai’i Marine Stewards certification. Their ongoing dedication to safeguarding our sea turtles in the water and providing support for monk seals and seabirds on Moku Nui Island is commendable. Lastly HMAR taught a small class on in-water debris cleanups and animal entanglements to the very smart keiki Seal Team class hosted by Aaron’s Dive shop. Thank you to everyone that came out and participated in the cleanups along with all of the organizations we partnered with last month!
Additional News & Updates
We are continuing to recruit for our spring semester internships. If you or someone you know is interested in marine conservation, head over HERE and check it out! We offer internships in the field work along with a new stipend internship for the upcoming semester!
As we enter December 2023, every one of us at HMAR wants to wish all of you a healthy and joyful holiday season.
Mahalo for your support!
______________________________________________________________________________
WHAT DO THESE NUMBERS MEAN?
Number of Calls - What does this mean? These are contacts that our hotline operators answer about any species in any situation. Whether it is a monk seal on the beach, a sea turtle of concern in the water, or a seabird that needs help. HMAR answers the calls that are made to the NOAA’s marine wildlife number for Oʻahu and Molokaʻi and we take calls from the public, from the police, fire department, Ocean Safety as well as State of Hawaiʻi agencies. Some calls result in a field response but many are valuable for animal sightings information or other data that can assist in research. Since our start in 2016, we've handled over 65,000 hotline contacts.
Number of Field Support Actions - What does this mean? This is when HMAR sends volunteer or staff resources into the field to perform a variety of actions in support of marine protected animals including Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, sea birds, dolphins, whales or marine debris. Since our start in 2016, we have had volunteers or staff in the field 27,692 times.
Number of Rescues, Interventions, Stranding Responses and Escalated Field Actions - What does this mean? This number includes any field response that goes above and beyond a typical resting monk seal response. This includes responding to a seal of concern, an entangled, hooked, or injured sea turtle, a seabird in need of medical support, and other situations. Since 2016, we have performed 2,512 of these operations.
Marine Debris Work - Each week our marine debris team removes underwater entanglement hazards (net, line, hooks) from high fishing pressure areas to reduce animal entanglements, hookings, injuries and death of protected marine animals. Since we started our underwater removal activities, our Marine Debris Program (MDP) and our BEAT DEBRIS citizen science project has removed about 10,300 animal hazards, cleaned over 303 acres of underwater habitat, and we have collected over 23 miles of monofilament fishing line. Taking all of this debris out of underwater habitat helps save Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds.
Number of People Reached through Face to Face Outreach - What does this mean? HMAR’s different program activities put our volunteers and staff in direct contact with Hawai'iʻs residents and visitors. Educating people about Hawai'i’s marine protected species and our ocean ecosystem is one of our highest priorities and has an important impact on reducing threats. This number includes outreach done in the field as well as the work our Education and Engagement team accomplishes through community outreach events and other educational activity. Since our start we’ve reached 319,759 people.
Thank you for your continued support!
October 2023 Update
MONTHLY HMAR UPDATE: October 2023
October was filled with partner cleanups, wedge-tailed shearwater colony surveys, and even more large marine debris retrievals! We’re so excited to tell you all about it! Click the link below to read all about it!
Number of contacts made to HMAR hotlines in October 2023 – 716 contacts
This is broken down as 531 contacts regarding Hawaiian monk seals, 120 contacts regarding sea turtles, and 20 contacts regarding seabirds. The remaining 45 contacts were not regarding marine animals of concern.
Number of field support actions conducted in October 2023 – 187 actions
This was broken down as 25 in the east section of Oʻahu, 88 in the lower west area, 2 in the upper west, 6 in the north area, and 66 in the southeast area of Oʻahu.
October marked the commencement of our wedge-tailed shearwater colony surveys in Kahuku and Kailua. This year, with the invaluable assistance of our dedicated volunteers, the surveys went exceptionally smooth, and both colonies are holding up well! Notably, the Kailua colony boasted an impressive count of 26 chicks, more than doubling the figures from previous years. Meanwhile, the expansive Kahuku colony recorded 489 occupied burrows which was very close to last year’s results.
In the upcoming weeks, these young shearwaters will prepare for their inaugural flights, signaling the onset of the "fall-out season." These birds rely on the moon and stars for navigation, but artificial lights like street lamps and porch lights can lead them astray, causing confusion and mislandings. If you come across any seabirds in distress, please promptly report them to the statewide NOAA marine wildlife hotline at (888) 256-9840.
Mahalo!
Number of rescues, interventions, stranding responses, and escalated field actions in October 2023 – 29
This was broken down as 22 operations for sea turtles, 6 operations for seabirds, and 1 for Hawaiian monk seals. Of special note, we had one rescue operation for a rare hawksbill sea turtle hatchling and one large downed seabird.
At the beginning of the month, HMAR received a call about an entangled sea turtle on the sands of Mokuleia. Our responders sprang into action and swiftly made their way to the scene. Upon arrival and a thorough assessment, it was determined that the fishing line entanglement could be resolved on-site, allowing for the turtle's safe release. Fortunately, the fishing line hadn't constricted the turtle's flippers tightly, and after our responder cut the line, the turtle eagerly returned to the ocean.
This success story was followed by another entangled turtle incident at the end of the month. This report described a sea turtle entangled with fishing line around its front flipper, neck, and a hook in its mouth. After assessing the situation, our team decided that the turtle required transportation for further veterinarian assistance. Luckily there was a NOAA veterinarian nearby so rather than transporting the animal for care, by working together our team successfully removed the hook, disentangled the turtle, and released it right on the spot.
Both of these cases illustrate the effectiveness of the statewide hotline in taking prompt action to help and release the animals. It's also a vital reminder never to attempt disentangling a turtle, cutting line, or trying to remove hooks without having a trained responder present. Organizations like HMAR follow strict protocols to assess the turtle's condition and ensure their well-being before any field interventions. Actions taken by untrained people can often cause an animal of concern more harm so please call the statewide NOAA wildlife hotline at (888) 256-9840 and let trained responders take action.
The month ended with another sea turtle hatchling rescue, a baby green sea turtle was found
among the nearshore rock formations at KoOlina. Since no known turtle nesting sites exist in the area, our dedicated responders swiftly answered the call for assistance. Upon arrival, the individual had placed the tiny turtle in a bucket. To ensure its comfort during transport, our responder prepared a moist sand bed for the hatchling. With the turtle safely secured, we transported it to the west side and released it that night. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the numerous challenges our turtle hatchlings face during their first hours to days of life, from potential predators and exhaustion to dehydration and the disorientation caused by nearby shore lighting.
Marine Debris - Large Debris Recovery!
We conducted seven marine debris in-water dives last month collecting 3,817 feet of monofilament line and 784 animal hazards. On top of our dives, as the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Aquatic Resources Marine Debris Rapid Response contractor for Oʻahu, HMAR was called out to three separate large net masses on the East side of the island! The first call came in the morning, from regular beach walkers who noticed a group of people attempting to remove a massive tangle of rope from the water. Our team gathered to assess the situation and the extent of the debris. Upon arrival, we discovered an enormous knot of incredibly thick rope that had washed up on Kailua Beach. Our team promptly began cutting the rope into more manageable sections and diligently carried them away, piece by piece. The combined weight of this colossal rope tangle exceeded 1,500 pounds.
Just three days later, another debris response was initiated, featuring almost identical rope
debris. This time, our team carried the rope from the beach, which weighed approximately 200 pounds. The final debris response of the month involved a long, rolled net discovered in Waimānalo, successfully collected by an HMAR responder. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to these efforts and to the vigilant individual who alerted us to this significant animal hazard. If you ever encounter derelict fishing gear or nets, whether in the water or on land, please do not hesitate to contact our Hawaiʻi DLNR Marine Debris Rapid Response hotline at 833-4-DA-NETS.
Number of people reached through face-to-face outreach and education in September 2023 - 1,598 people
Last month, members of our team involved in our Education & Engagement Program continued their outreach work at Waikīkī Aquarium on Mondays from 11am-2pm. HMAR also participated in the Halloween event hosted at Sea Life Park this year.
Additional news & updates
Our next volunteer orientation is December 2nd but applications are open! If you're interested in joining the HMAR team, please visit our website and click on "Get Involved" or follow this link HERE. We offer a variety of programs that are always in need of participants. You can apply to become one of our Field Support & Outreach (FSO) volunteers who work on the beaches with monk seals, or become a marine debris volunteer participating in snorkel cleanup dives every weekend, or as a hotline operator from the comfort of your home in our Operations Support Program (OSP). Learn more by going HERE.
Mahalo for your support!
______________________________________________________________________________
WHAT DO THESE NUMBERS MEAN?
Number of Calls - What does this mean? These are contacts that our hotline operators answer about any species in any situation. Whether it is a monk seal on the beach, a sea turtle of concern in the water, or a seabird that needs help. HMAR answers the calls that are made to the NOAA’s marine wildlife number for Oʻahu and Molokaʻi and we take calls from the public, from the police, fire department, Ocean Safety as well as State of Hawaiʻi agencies. Some calls result in a field response but many are valuable for animal sightings information or other data that can assist in research. Since our start in 2016, we’ve handled over 63,700 hotline contacts.
Number of Field Support Actions - What does this mean? This is when HMAR sends volunteer or staff resources into the field to perform a variety of actions in support of marine protected animals including Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, sea birds, dolphins, whales or marine debris. Since our start in 2016, we have had volunteers or staff in the field over 27,490 times.
Number of Rescues, Interventions, Stranding Responses and Escalated Field Actions - What does this mean? This number includes any field response that goes above and beyond a typical resting monk seal response. This includes responding to a seal of concern, an entangled, hooked, or injured sea turtle, a seabird in need of medical support, and other situations. Since 2016, we have performed nearly 2,330 of these operations.
Marine Debris Work - Each week our marine debris team removes underwater entanglement hazards (net, line, hooks) from high fishing pressure areas to reduce animal entanglements, hookings, injuries and death of protected marine animals. Since we started our underwater removal activities, our Marine Debris Program (MDP) and our BEAT DEBRIS citizen science project has removed about 10,300 animal hazards, cleaned over 203 acres of underwater habitat, and we have collected over 23 miles of monofilament fishing line. Taking all of this debris out of underwater habitat helps save Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds.
Number of People Reached through Face to Face Outreach - What does this mean? HMAR’s different program activities put our volunteers and staff in direct contact with Hawai'iʻs residents and visitors. Educating people about Hawai'i’s marine protected species and our ocean ecosystem is one of our highest priorities and has an important impact on reducing threats. This number includes outreach done in the field as well as the work our Education and Engagement team accomplishes through community outreach events and other educational activity. Since our start we’ve reached 318,250 people.
Thank you for your continued support!
September 2023 Update
MONTHLY HMAR UPDATE: September 2023
September had large marine debris retrievals, two new additions to the team, and hawksbill hatchlings! We’re so excited to tell you all about it!
Number of contacts made to HMAR hotlines in September 2023 – 1,014 contacts
This is broken down by 768 contacts regarding Hawaiian monk seals, 162 contacts regarding sea turtles, and 21 contacts regarding seabirds. The remaining 63 contacts were not regarding marine animals of concern.
Number of field support actions conducted in September 2023 – 302 actions
This was broken out as 14 in the east section of Oʻahu, 49 in the lower west area, 2 in the upper west, 4 in the north area, and 233 in the southeast area of Oʻahu.
Last month, we had both new and long-time Waikīkī seals frequenting the town-side beaches. RK96, known as "Kaʻiwi,"and RH58, nicknamed "Rocky," who are more familiar faces on the town side, were joined by RK24, "Wāwāmalu," and RN14. A new addition to Waikīkī is a young female seal called “Mahina,” also known as RQ44, who was born in 2022 on Mānana Island. Mahina began hauling out in early September and is progressively becoming greener with each passing day. This indicates that she may be preparing for her first major molt, during which she sheds her outer layer of skin and older fur coat (pelage) to be replaced with a new shiny silver one!
We extend our gratitude to all members of the public who have been calling in and assisting us in tracking these seals all around the island. If you ever happen to spot one of the Hawaiian monk seals in town or anywhere else on the island, please report it to the statewide NOAA marine wildlife hotline at (888) 256-9840!
Mahalo!
Number of rescues, interventions, stranding responses, and escalated field actions in September 2023 – 30
This was broken out as 22 operations for sea turtles, 7 operations for seabirds, and 1 for Hawaiian monk seals. We had one rescue operation for a rare hawksbill hatchling and one large downed seabird.
On September 24th, we received a call about a small baby sea turtle, barely the size of the palm of your hand, in Kahuku that appeared to be a bit lost. Upon receiving pictures, to the surprise of our field staff, it turned out to be a baby hawksbill turtle! Encountering hatchling hawksbill sea turtles on Oʻahu, isn’t that uncommon but these animals aren’t coming from known hawksbill nesting sites on Oʻahu. Instead, it is believed they are coming from nesting sites on Molokai, Maui or Hawaiʻi Island. After making their way to the ocean, some of these wayward seafarers get caught in offshore currents and trade winds and some are pushed into the windward shores of Oʻahu. By the time our responder reached the hatchling, it had already grown dark, and releasing it that night could have been dangerous for both the turtle and our staff. Therefore, it was decided to create a moist sand bed for the turtle and keep it overnight. On the morning of September 25th, the hatchling was brought to a sheltered beach and released in an area of offshore winds to give this little one the best chance at survival! This incident serves as a stark reminder that our turtle hatchlings face numerous challenges during their first hours to days of life, including predators, exhaustion, dehydration, or becoming disoriented due to nearby shore lighting. Therefore, please call the statewide NOAA marine wildlife hotline at (888) 256-9840 if you ever come across a sea turtle hatchling on shore - and please do not attempt to intervene. It is best for the animals to let a properly trained and permitted responder handle the situation.
Later in the month, on the 29th, we received a call about an injured seabird outside someone's house in Hauʻula. Based on the pictures and the assessment by our field staff, it was identified as a brown booby with what appeared to be a broken or dislocated wing. Upon arrival at the scene, the sun had already set, and the bird had perched itself on a ledge near a house. As our staff approached the bird, it responded with loud squawks and attempted to shuffle back towards the water. Our staff member acted quickly, securing the bird and transporting it to our partners at Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital for veterinarian support.. Unlike some of our more passive feathered friends, such as shearwaters, these large seabirds can pose a danger if approached when injured. Therefore, please refrain from approaching a bird like this or attempting to handle it yourself. Always make the call so that the bird can be assessed and rescued by trained responders.
Marine Debris - Large Debris Recovery!
The month began on a strong note with a cleanup event hosted by Nudi Wear at Waiāhole Beach Park to commemorate World Cleanup Day. Our marine debris team collaborated with Aaron's dive shop and a group of dedicated volunteers, resulting in the removal of over 2,500 pounds of trash! Among the items collected were 14 tires, a boat engine, and even an entire kayak. If you're interested in participating in HMAR's weekend cleanups, consider applying to become a marine debris volunteer or follow us on Instagram, where we regularly post updates about upcoming cleanups that HMAR will be involved in.
We conducted four marine debris in-water dives this month collecting 1,400 feet of monofilament line and 369 animal hazards. On top of our dives, as the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources Marine Debris Rapid Response contractor on Oʻahu, HMAR was called out to a large net mass in Malaekahana State Park, adjacent to the campgrounds. The call came in around midday from nearby campers who had been attempting to move the net mass on the beach above the tide line but was having no luck. Once our team arrived on-site, we initiated the process of cutting apart the net for removal. However, the incoming tide posed a challenge, and the separation of the net pieces was taking too long. After utilizing various resources from our response truck we rigged a sling, allowing members of the public to assist. It took approximately 13 people to move the estimated 800-pound net mass away from the waterline and into the bed of our truck. Mahalo to everyone who contributed to this effort and to the individual who alerted us to this significant animal hazard. If you ever come across derelict fishing gear or nets in or out of our waters, please don't hesitate to contact our Hawaiʻi DLNR Marine Debris Rapid Response hotline at 833-4-DA-NETS.
Number of people reached through face-to-face outreach and education in September 2023 - 1,645 people
This month, members of our team involved in our Education & Engagement Program continued their outreach and tabling at Waikīkī Aquarium on Mondays from 11am-2pm. HMAR also participated in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa volunteer event where we were able to talk to students about volunteering and interning in our programs.
Additional news & updates
HMAR is delighted to introduce two new staff members who will be taking on the roles of Field Operations Technicians. The first member is Marcela Curcio, and the second is Alex Bauer. Marcela is a former intern who graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and has previous experience working at various marine life centers. Alex, also a former HMAR intern, is on the verge of completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Welcome to the team, Marcela and Alex!
Our new volunteer orientation is now open for applications for our November 4th class! If you're interested in joining the HMAR team, please visit our website and click on "Get Involved" or follow this link HERE. We offer a variety of programs that are always in need of participants. You can apply to become one of our Field Support & Outreach (FSO) volunteers who work on the beaches with monk seals, or become a marine debris volunteer participating in snorkel clean-up dives every weekend, or work as an educator in our Education & Engagement Program, or as a hotline operator from the comfort of your home in our Operations Support Program (OSP). Learn more by going HERE.
Mahalo for your support!
______________________________________________________________________________
WHAT DO THESE NUMBERS MEAN?
Number of Calls - What does this mean? These are contacts that our hotline operators answer about any species in any situation. Whether it is a monk seal on the beach, a sea turtle of concern in the water, or a seabird that needs help. HMAR answers the calls that are made to the NOAA’s marine wildlife number for Oʻahu and Molokaʻi and we take calls from the public, from the police, fire department, Ocean Safety as well as State of Hawaiʻi agencies. Some calls result in a field response but many are valuable for animal sightings information or other data that can assist in research. Since our start in 2016, we’ve handled over 63,000 hotline contacts.
Number of Field Support Actions - What does this mean? This is when HMAR sends volunteer or staff resources into the field to perform a variety of actions in support of marine protected animals including Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, sea birds, dolphins, whales or marine debris. Since our start in 2016, we have had volunteers or staff in the field over 27,300 times.
Number of Rescues, Interventions, Stranding Responses and Escalated Field Actions - What does this mean? This number includes any field response that goes above and beyond a typical resting monk seal response. This includes responding to a seal of concern, an entangled, hooked, or injured sea turtle, a seabird in need of medical support, and other situations. Since 2016, we have performed nearly 2,300 of these operations.
Marine Debris Work - Each week our marine debris team removes underwater entanglement hazards (net, line, hooks) from high fishing pressure areas to reduce animal entanglements, hookings, injuries and death of protected marine animals. Since we started our underwater removal activities, our Marine Debris Program (MDP) and our BEAT DEBRIS citizen science project has removed about 6,000 animal hazards, cleaned over 281 acres of underwater habitat, and we have collected over 23 miles of monofilament fishing line. Taking all of this debris out of underwater habitat helps save Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds.
Number of People Reached through Face to Face Outreach - What does this mean? HMAR’s different program activities put our volunteers and staff in direct contact with Hawai'iʻs residents and visitors. Educating people about Hawai'i’s marine protected species and our ocean ecosystem is one of our highest priorities and has an important impact on reducing threats. This number includes outreach done in the field as well as the work our Education and Engagement team accomplishes through community outreach events and other educational activity. Since our start we’ve reached 316,650 people.