HONOLULU — It’s believed drowning is the likely cause of death of at least two of three Hawaiian monk seals found dead on Kaua‘i last September, November and December.
Constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic delayed completion of post-mortem examinations.
However, considering recently-received lab test results and information gathered by law-enforcement officials, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration now believes the seals found in September and November likely died after becoming entangled in lay gill nets. The third seal was severely decomposed, making it difficult to determine the cause of death.
While the vast majority of fishers in Hawai‘i continue to practice safe, sustainable and pono fishing methods, some continue to fish recklessly, with devastating impact on native and endangered species. This is particularly common with lay-gill-net fishers.
State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources rules require that a gill net used in the lay-net-fishing method not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes after being set, and should be physically checked in its entirety two hours after its initial set. The best rule of thumb for lay-net fishing is to always be present and vigilant when nets are set.
Because interactions between monk seals and lay nets continue to escalate, officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement have been increasing patrols, resulting in the removal of more unattended nets across the state.
State Board of Land and Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case said, “These monk-seal deaths are, yet again, terrible and unnecessary losses. Monofilament lay nets are imported, modern fishing gear that is indiscriminate and deadly, and have been banned elsewhere in the U.S. We are in discussions regarding how best to ensure seals and turtles are protected given ongoing drownings in lay nets.”
DAR Administrator Brian Neilson added, “Our state resources, both the fish we use for food and recreation, and the rare and endangered species that call these waters home, are important parts of the history, traditions and living resources we cherish. It is important that we find the balance to respect all our marine life. That means following respectful and logical regulations put in place to protect all resources both now and into the future.”
The DLNR suggests keeping an eye out for illegal, unattended nets, and contacting authorities if seen, to help all fishers and native species.
Anyone encountering a lay net or observing seals in close proximity to nets should report that immediately via the free DLNRTip app or by calling 643-DLNR (3567).
I moved to Waimea in 2000 and moved back to mainland in 2015. Most of the time there the people living at Lucie Wright park put gill nets across the mouth of Waimea River and caught moi and other fish. Many times when I saw the nets I would call fish and game and stay by the nets until he arrived.
The warden removed 7 nets that I know of. I would think it is still a problem!
Turtles have made a full if not greater than original number recovery. We should have a permits to harvest their meat. Seals aren’t native to the islands. They don’t have definitive proof it was lay nets. Let’s go with science on this one.
Complete disregard for tending these nets may require changing the law to a lay net ban. If we can’t count on fishermen to protect our wildlife and fish stocks correctly that might be the best option.
you mean the tourists didnt cause this , amazing
You people clearly don’t know the cost and labor that goes into making one of these nets. No one is leaving their nets out there to just be there forever. So parts snag and or break off bigger fish will bust up your net and are not the target species for this style
Of fishing. A juvenile seal wouldn’t be entangled in this kind of thing. It’s a convenient blame because they want to take away that right from us.
It costs about $200 for a lay net fully made. You can make one cheaper if you do it yourself. there are photos of monk seals wrapped in laynets online…they do get tangled and drown. Responding with inaccuracies is not going to get people to a solution. If you lay a net, stay with it. it is that simple. If people can’t adhere to rules then there are consequences. Yes, people should have the right to fish, but then they have the responsibility to do it responsibly. Killing non-target wildlife is destroying the environment we all share. That is part of all of our kuleana, fishers and non-fishers.