Monk Seal Response Training

A Little About the HMMRN Volunteer based organization Chapters on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Respond to occasional standings, but mostly to Hawaiian monk seal sightings Volunteers are representatives of DAR and NOAA

A few things to keep in mind HMMRN is not politically affiliated. No matter what your personal beliefs, keep the focus on the seal. HMMRN is a volunteer group not enforcement. Do your best to educate without being forceful or condescending. We are much better off making friends than enemies!

Professionalism It is important to maintain a professional demeanor –Be polite –Acknowledge those that shows interest in what you’re doing –Share information without being pushy –Answer any questions you can, but never make up an answer if you don’t know it –Avoid anthropomorphism. Do not use words like “cute”, or any phrases that relate seal behavior to human emotion. Be prepared –Volunteer T-shirt –Data sheet –SPZ supplies

Responding Safety is number 1 If you are ever in a situation where you’re not comfortable, remove yourself immediately! Each beach is different Know where you’re going. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions if you are unsure If you are unfamiliar of an area you’re asked to respond to, PLEASE ask Melissa or Julien about it. There are some places on the Big Island where there may be political and social issues you need be aware of. Address these issues during a pre-arrival briefing and think of ways to handle issues that may come up. Always be courteous and professional

Upon Arrival Assess the situation –Locate the seal –Note how many people are present –Decide if a SPZ is feasible. If so, one volunteer should remain on beach to address the public while the other volunteer goes to retrieve SPZ supplies Talk to people and get details on seal’s behavior as well as other beach users Erect a SPZ if needed and fill out a sighting data sheet

Addressing the Public BE SAFE! If you feel threatened or in danger, leave. Body language: Keep your focus on the seal not the person. Don’t ball your fists or stand in a threatening position. Be polite and professional. NEVER yell or raise your voice at someone Learn as much as you can about monk seals, so you will be able to answer questions intelligently Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know but I can find out for you.”

Got ANGRY ? If you are dealing with an angry individual it is key to keep your self relaxed. If they yell, do not yell back. Remain cool and logical. Don’t let them get you worked up! Try to see where they are coming from and help to explain that monk seals are critically endangered so much so that there are only 4 seals that live on the Big Island, and that it takes everyone if we are going to save this species. Be courteous even if insulted, just calmly walk away. Remember… If you feel that it is unsafe. LEAVE! Never hesitate to call the police if you feel you need to

“Take” Notes Much? Document seals behavior If people approach the seal after being informed of the regulations, photograph the event if it is safe to do so Take note of license number and car make/model of individuals who are involved in a “take” If a volunteer is accidentally involved in a “take” notify David Schofield or Melissa Netze.

Setting up an SPZ The exact size of the SPZ will depend on the site –Give the seal as much room as possible Supplies you’ll need –4 posts with signs –Rope Rocking the posts back and forth is a low effort way of getting them in the ground Make note of tide as the SPZ may have to be readjusted as the tide changes

SPZ Try to give the seal as much room as possible; this will be site dependent Leave a unobstructed entrance into the ocean for the seal Try to allow for a walk space for people malka of the SPZ Ocean Beach