I am a Junior at Lahainaluna High School. I am writing to

you today because I believe we should be more involved in contributing towards the health of

our native sea life.

I’m specifically concerned about the Hawaiian monk seal. In 1976, they were

classified as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act, and ever since their population

has remained well under 2,000 until today.

More than half of the causes are derived from humans,whether it’s being tangled up in nets, caught on hooks, and the leading cause, toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is a guaranteed death caused by infectious eggs produced in cats

intestines, and is spread through their feces. The monk seals either come in direct contact with

the eggs or they consume prey that was infected.

Although there is treatment, it has never been successful. What would be more beneficial to them is our help, doing our best to keep cats off and far from beaches, cleaning up after ourselves, especially when fishing, and keeping our distance.

If we all do our part and give at least some efforts towards this cause, we can expect a

steady increase of their population each year. The goal is to get the average increase of 30-50

seals a year to 70-90 a year.

Just like Hawaiian Monk seals, green sea turtles were also critically endangered. From

2016 to 2026, they took their population status from an ultimate low to being declared as a “least

concerned” species. During their all-time low period a new trend/lifestyle rose from it, VSCO, for the ones dedicated to saving the turtles. They emphasized on using as little plastic as we can,

and converting to metal straws.

Although the “VSCO” lifestyle wasn’t the only thing that helped save the turtles, it still

played a crucial role in aiding their population. This situation is a prime example of how we

are capable of change when honest and consistent effort is given throughout the community.

The VSCO trend focused on one very specific task, and I think that if we follow

similar protocol tailored to the benefits of Hawaiian Monk Seals, we’ll be able to achieve our goal and more.

In order to reach our goal, I want to start a new trend that’s dedicated to saving the monk

seals. Contribution is as easy as picking up a few pieces of trash off the beach, or keeping your

pets leashed as they could pose a threat to seals.

If you ever spot a monk seal, make sure to report it to the NOAA hotline (888)256-9840.

Lauren Rodrigues
Lahaina