NOAA confirms death of monk seal on Oahu's North Shore

Aug 21, 2026

A young Hawaiian monk seal has died on Oahu's North Shore, a setback for one of the world's most endangered seal species.

  • The seal, a two-year-old known as RT 68 or Mana, was found dead at Three Tables.
  • Wildlife officials have confirmed the death and ordered a necropsy to find out what killed it.
  • Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered, so every loss matters to the population.
  • Separately, a nearby site stays closed while its owner repairs a wall, with no reopening date given.

Outlook: The necropsy results should show whether the death was natural or caused by people.

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