Rising Tide Images
Surf and Seal
A rare Hawaiian monk seal utilizes the inside shorebreak for an assist to land on a sandy beach. After scanning the beach and seeing it is unoccupied, this 2-month-old male comes ashore for a midday snooze. 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. Monk seals are, unfortunately, among the rarest of marine mammals. A recent census indicated a slight increase in the total population to an estimated 1,600 individuals. The encouraging population increase may be due to diligent conservation efforts.
Surf and Seal
A rare Hawaiian monk seal utilizes the inside shorebreak for an assist to land on a sandy beach. After scanning the beach and seeing it is unoccupied, this 2-month-old male comes ashore for a midday snooze. 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. Monk seals are, unfortunately, among the rarest of marine mammals. A recent census indicated a slight increase in the total population to an estimated 1,600 individuals. The encouraging population increase may be due to diligent conservation efforts.