Caribbean monk seal killed off for lubricants and trunk linings

William Atkins
Wednesday, 11 June 2008 09:52

Science - Biology

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The numbers of both species of seal are being quickly depleted by actions from Man, specifically from being accidentally caught in fishing nets, having its natural habaitat diminished from coastal developments, and, generally, by the current global climate change on Earth (which is thought to be caused in part by the actions of mankind).

American biologist Kyle Baker, with the NOAA Fisheries Service in its southeast region (St. Petersburg, Florida), stated, "We hope we've learned from the extinction of Caribbean monk seals, and can provide stronger protection for their Hawaiian and Mediterranean relatives.” [National Geographic Society: “Caribbean Monk Seal Extinct, U.S. Officials Declare”]

The Hawaiian monk seal is decli

ning in numbers at a rate of about 4% each year. Bud Antonelis, the head of the NOAA Protected Species Division (Honolulu, Hawaii), stated, “We expect in the next couple of years, the numbers will be below 1,000.” [Discovery Channel: “Caribbean Monk Seal Gone for Good”]

Recovery plans are underway to save the Hawaiian monk seal from further degradation. Marine debris is being removed from their native habitats. Some have been brought into captivity when found to be under stress from malnourishment and other factors.

Antonelis states that erosion is a major cause of the loss of its native habitat. He states, "There's a lot of conservation work that remains to be done.” [Discovery Channel]

He adds, "While the loss of the Caribbean monk seal is extremely disappointing, it serves as a lesson for us to pay attention to the resources that are still here and to do everything we can so that the same problem doesn't happen to them.” [Discovery Channel]

Antonelis concludes, “I don't think it's too late for the Hawaiian monk seal." [Discovery Channel]