Monk Seal Found With Fishing Spear in Head

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Did someone intentionally set out to hurt this monk seal?

Fisherman packed a legislative hearing on fishing regulations, including restrictions on aquarium fishing. There were no monk seal bills on the agenda, but monks seals were still top of mind in their complaints and testimony. And today, we have a sad report that one appears to have been attacked.

Our landblog reports:

Federal and state officials are investigating whether a young monk seal, found with a spear lodged in her head on Rabbit Island on Tuesday, was intentionally attacked. 

NOAA officials were able to dislodge the spear and the monk seal swam away. 

From NOAA’s Monk Seal research program: 

She is expected to make a full recovery but will continue to be monitored by (NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service) and dedicated volunteers!
KHON reports that there was a witness to the shooting. 

image

(Photo: NOAA)

Here’s NOAA’s pic of the seal after the spear was removed: 

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