Evicting Galapagos Sharks to save endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals

by NOAA PIFSC on 25 May 2013 The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program has submitted a permit request to continue the Center's efforts to mitigate Galapagos shark predation on monk seals at French Frigate Shoals (FFS) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The shark predation mitigation project is a component of the NOAA Monk Seal Recovery Program. This unique shark predation threat, which occurs only at certain islets, is the primary source of injury and mortality for suckling and recently weaned monk seal pups at FFS. The mitigation project is founded on a long history of monk seal monitoring, research, and deterrent testing by PIFSC scientists at FFS, including earlier removals of two sharks. The pending permit application is for the removal of up to 18 additional Galapagos sharks from FFS. To help the public understand this difficult issue we have posted information about the history of the shark predation mitigation program and responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about the program. Click here to view this NOAA PIFSC website