Rising Tide Images
Post Swim Respite
Happy World Oceans Day!
A plump female Hawaiian monk seal and her healthy 15-day-old pup relax on the sand after galumphing ashore from a morning swimming lesson. Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the human populated main volcanic islands emerged above sea level. The original seal-occupied northwest islands have since receded to coral atolls and are now part of Papahānaumokuākea. The Hawaiian name for monk seal, ilio holo i ka uaua, is commonly translated to dog that runs in rough water. A recently updated survey by NOAA estimates a small, but encouraging, population increase to 1,570 individuals throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. However, Hawaiian monk seals remain endangered and among the rarest of marine mammals. This is the ninth monk seal born on Oahu in 2025. The experienced mother, tagged RN58, is known as Luana and was born near this beach in 2013. I have seen her return to this beach to birth several pups in the years since. Unfortunately, she lost last year’s pup, so observers are pleased to see her back and hopeful this female pup will survive to maturity.
Post Swim Respite
Happy World Oceans Day!
A plump female Hawaiian monk seal and her healthy 15-day-old pup relax on the sand after galumphing ashore from a morning swimming lesson. Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the human populated main volcanic islands emerged above sea level. The original seal-occupied northwest islands have since receded to coral atolls and are now part of Papahānaumokuākea. The Hawaiian name for monk seal, ilio holo i ka uaua, is commonly translated to dog that runs in rough water. A recently updated survey by NOAA estimates a small, but encouraging, population increase to 1,570 individuals throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. However, Hawaiian monk seals remain endangered and among the rarest of marine mammals. This is the ninth monk seal born on Oahu in 2025. The experienced mother, tagged RN58, is known as Luana and was born near this beach in 2013. I have seen her return to this beach to birth several pups in the years since. Unfortunately, she lost last year’s pup, so observers are pleased to see her back and hopeful this female pup will survive to maturity.